Back to the New York Rangers Newsfeed

Brian Boyle unfairly cast as villain for normal NHL-playoff hit

Related Topics: Brian Boyle, Daniel Girardi

You know, there was another hit thrown by Brian Boyle — now more of a villain wearing a Lightning jersey in Islanders Country than he ever was wearing the Blueshirt — that did every bit as much damage as the one he threw at Thomas Hickey in overtime in Brooklyn caused on Tuesday.

And that was the hit on which the former Ranger concussed his good buddy, Dan Girardi, late in the third period at the Garden on April 5 with a blow out of nowhere that sent the defenseman into the rear boards.

“I talked to Danny that night after the game and then I called him again after they lost to Pitt,” Boyle told The Post after his goal at 2:48 of overtime, seconds after he creamed Hickey up high, lifted the Lightning to a 5-4 Game 3 victory and a 2-1 second-round lead.