Girardi was back in the lineup against the Kings on Saturday, reunited with long time partner Ryan McDonagh. That sound you heard was the collective groan from Ranger Nation as the anchor was reattached to McDonagh’s ankle.
Vigneault cited the familiarity between the two as well as the struggling penalty kill for the pairing. In the seven games before Girardi’s return, the Rangers had given up goals when they’ve been shorthanded over 40 percent of the time. The Rangers will be playing golf before the end of April if that keeps up.
Girardi’s offensive deficiencies are well know, but he helps on the penalty kill.