Ryan Lindgren blocks puck with face after winning Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award

Anthony Scultore Updated: Apr 11, 2023

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New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren was named the recipient of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award as voted by the fans.

The winner is chosen for their efforts that go “above and beyond the call of duty.” NYPD Detective Steven McDonald did just that while being shot in 1986 leaving him paralyzed. An avid Rangers fan, he passed away in 2017 but his legacy lives on.

His son Conor, who is also a member of the force, presented the award to the ‘heart and soul’ Ranger prior to Monday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Sabres.

“It’s a huge honor,” Lindgren said afterwards. “You think about New York City, the cops and the people that sacrifice makes it special. I’m really excited.”

Ryan Lindgren wins Steven McDonald Award

Lindgren, 25, has recorded 29 points in 62 games this season and sports a +29 rating. The stalwart defender averages 1.48 blocks per game.

Last night, he registered one block but it came at the expense of his face.

The scary moment happened with the Sabres on the power play in OT after he caught a Jeff Skinner one timer off the side of his head. He went down and ran directly to the locker room leaving everyone holding their breath only to come back a few minutes later sporting a bloody red spot on his right cheek.

“I went down to block it,” Lindgen said. “I guess I got pretty lucky as it grazed me. It got my cheek a little bit but I’m alright.”

Full List of Steven McDonald Award winners

Chris Kreider won the award for the first time last season. Prior to that, Adam Fox was honored and Mika Zibanejad had been chosen for two consecutive seasons.

Adam Graves has become synonymous with the award after winning it 5 times. Ryan Callahan also claimed the honor 4 times. Wayne Gretzky, who only spent three seasons in New York won the award once during the 1997-98 season.

Fan favorite Mats Zuccarello took home the honor three times. Legendary captain Mark Messier won it twice.

Hard-working forward Jan Erixon was the inaugural recipient in the 1987-88 season.

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore