Marc Staal gave it is his all for the Rangers, we salute his great Blueshirt career
Marc Staal was a staple on defense for 13 seasons and vital for the Rangers young blue-line since the rebuild was announced. He was a steadying presence for a host of greenhorns over the last few years including Tony DeAngelo and Adam Fox. While he no longer was the #1 shutdown defender of glory days past, Staal’s presence became a calming influence to the rookies and a safety valve for David Quinn.
His time on Broadway was coming to an end
The end was coming, even with next season being the last for the 33 year-old defender. Earlier in the year, and for the first time in his illustrious career, Staal became a healthy scratch. It was a changing of the guard, as Ryan Lindgren made his season debut and then never looked back. Still, his teammates looked up to him and even gave him the nickname, “Legend”.
On a recent episode of the “Watch Your Tone” podcast, Tony DeAngelo could not say enough good things about Marc Staal. “My nickname for him is “Lege” for Legend, because he’s a beauty,” he replied.
“He’s a great guy that has done everything (in this league),” Tony expanded. “There is nothing he hasn’t done, he’s a leader and everybody loves him.” The praise for Staal continued, as did the respect which Staal has earned through 13 years of hard fought battles.
Thank You, Marc Staal
Looking back at Staal’s amazing career it is hard not to see him as one of the top defensemen to ever suit up for the Rangers. He was a shutdown guy during their incredible stretch from 2010 to 2015. It was Staal facing down players like Sidney Crosby and leading the team to the playoffs.
However, if you want to sum up Marc Staal all you have to do is remember his comeback from a devastating eye injury. It happened in 2013, and it still makes me sick thinking about it. The damage to the eye was permanent, but not to Staal’s will and desire to return. The next season he helped lead the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final.
All good things must come to an end, and so is the case for Staal’s time on Broadway. It was a brilliant run for the 6’4″ rearguard who played 892 games for the Blueshirts which ranks 6th all time. Staal finished with 188 points, but he has some great moments like his OT winner against the Caps in the 2012 Semifinals.
Marc played in 107 playoffs games and notched 20 points. He’s one of only three Rangers to appear in at least 100 playoff games along with Dan Girardi and Henrik Lundqvist. He was also an All-Star, he was a warrior, and most importantly…he was a Ranger.
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