Girardi, Lundqvist, Gaborik are All-Stars
Dan Girardi was selected as an NHL All Star for the first time in his career. (undated file photo) Credit: Jim McIsaac
Dan Girardi's game is this: blocking shots and shutting down an opponent's top line. Not exactly a fit in the freewheeling, no-hitting event known as the NHL All-Star Game.
"To be honest with you, I never really thought about being an All-Star," Girardi said Thursday night. "It's more of a high-skill, high-paced game; it's not really my game. But I'm going to do my best out there."
Girardi, who leads the NHL in ice time (27-plus minutes per game), was selected as an All-Star for the first time. He joins Rangers teammates Henrik Lundqvist (19-7-4 with a 1.85 GAA) and Marian Gaborik (23 goals), who were chosen twice previously.
"It's a pretty cool honor," said Girardi, 27. "I knew there was consideration; I just didn't want to book [a family vacation] and lose all my money, so I'm glad I didn't. I'm going to savor the moment; it might be my last."
Girardi, who was undrafted, is in the top five in blocked shots and has been a cornerstone of the team's defense, with former partner Marc Staal injured for all but four games of the first half.
Coach John Tortorella lobbied for Girardi weeks ago, saying he hoped the league wouldn't ignore him because he lacked "a pedigree."
On Thursday, Girardi said he appreciated the comment and hopes that "every All-Star Game, a couple guys like me will sneak in and get a chance."
HBO captured Girardi's humor in the "24/7'' series, as well as the floor hockey talent of his son, 18-month-old Landon. "Maybe they actually wanted my son" for the game, he said.
Tortorella said the choices are "a great reflection on the organization'' and that Girardi "deserves it." But Tortorella, who will coach one team, hedged when asked if Girardi will be double-shifted.
"No, I probably won't play him," Tortorella said, then grinned.
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