New York Rangers defend Dan Girardi’s turnover

Dan Girardi made the unfortunate turnover that ultimately cost the New York Rangers Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

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Girardi made the turnover that led to Los Angeles Kings’ Justin Williams goal in the Kings 3-2 overtime victory. Despite this, the Rangers are standing beside Girardi and don’t believe he deserves the blame.

Girardi’s defensive partner, Ryan McDonagh knew that it wasn’t Girardi’s play alone that cost the team the game.

”We understand that wasn’t the deciding factor in the game ultimately,” McDonagh said. “We could have done a lot more to help our chances. It’s unfortunate that it happens to us at that point in the game, but he’s a guy that has been through so many ups and downs in his career. We know he’s going to bounce back and be a huge part of our Game 2 here.”

Girardi was not made available to press after the game, however the team is making sure that he does not beat himself up over the play.

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault knew that Girardi’s teammates would help encourage him to move past the situation.

”I do know that Dan has got great teammates,” Vigneault said. ”I’m sure that they’ve all talked to him. It was a bounce. It was a bounce that unfortunately didn’t work out. He couldn’t put the handle on it. Stuff like that happens. You’ve got to turn the page and move on.”

Girardi had five goals and 19 assists throughout the regular season. He has seven points in the playoffs and is averaging over 23 minutes per game. Girardi has spent his entire NHL career with the Rangers and definitely wants to see his team win the Stanley Cup.