This afternoon the NHL announced the remaining All-Star Game roster and the New York Rangers were rewarded for their tremendous first half with three All-Stars on the roster. Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik and Dan Girardi were those selected to represent the Rangers in Ottawa at the end of this month. Lundqvist's first half and Gaborik's resurgence in goal scoring made both of them locks to make the squad, but Girardi was one where it was unclear if his value would truly be noticed.
The efforts of all Rangers fans to put his name in the conversation through their write-in voting certainly did not hurt Girardi in getting the league recognition he deserves. Girardi was the key to holding the defense together in the absence of Marc Staal through much of the first half.
Ryan Callahan and Michael Del Zotto likely got significant consideration for the team, but the combination of others deserving to go and each team needing to be representing left them off the roster. Next comes the All-Star fantasy draft on January 26.
Carl Haglein was left off the rookie team, but the injury to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could give Hagelin an outside chance to be a replacement selection later if RNH is not ready to return yet.
