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

NHL: Buffalo Sabres at New York Rangers
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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

new york rangers ryan lindgren
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

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.

WINNERSEASON
RYAN LINDGREN2022-23
CHRIS KREIDER2021-22
ADAM FOX2020-21
MIKA ZIBANEJAD2019-20
MIKA ZIBANEJAD2018-19
HENRIK LUNDQVIST2017-18
MATS ZUCCARELLO2016-17
MATS ZUCCARELLO2015-16
CAM TALBOT2014-15
MATS ZUCCARELLO2013-14
RYAN CALLAHAN2012-13
RYAN CALLAHAN2011-12
BRANDON PRUST2010-11
RYAN CALLAHAN2009-10
RYAN CALLAHAN2008-09
BRANDON DUBINSKY2007-08
JED ORTMEYER2006-07
HENRIK LUNDQVIST2005-06
JED ORTMEYER2003-04
MATHEW BARNABY2002-03
SANDY MCCARTHY2001-02
SANDY MCCARTHY2000-01
ADAM GRAVES1999-00
ADAM GRAVES1998-99
WAYNE GRETZKY1997-98
BRIAN LEETCH1996-97
MARK MESSIER1995-96
MARK MESSIER1994-95
ADAM GRAVES1993-94
ADAM GRAVES1992-93
ADAM GRAVES1991-92
JAN ERIXON1990-91
KELLY KISIO / JOHN VANBIESBROUCK1989-90
TONY GRANATO1988-89
JAN ERIXON1987-88
List of Steven McDonald Award winners

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

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