Following Sunday’s loss to the Boston Bruins, Rangers head coach David Quinn challenged his team’s compete level. The coach’s message got through, and the young Blueshirts responded with a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Dan Girardi – Prior to puck drop, the Rangers honored former defenseman Dan Girardi, who recently retired from professional hockey. Girardi, who was accompanied by his family, dropped the ceremonial puck flanked by former teammates Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider. Girardi was a warrior for the Blueshirts, and was an integral part of those deep playoffs runs just a few years ago.