Eddie Giacomin, New York Rangers legend, dies at the age of 86
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NEW YORK (PIX11) — New York Rangers legend Edward "Eddie" Giacomin passed away on Monday at the age of 86, the team announced on social media.
Giacomin, an Ontario native, began his career with the Rangers in 1965 as the goalie of the Blue Shirts after being traded from Providence of the American Hockey League.
In his first season in net as a 26-year-old rookie, Giacomin went 8-20-6 for a last-place New York squad. He quickly turned it around in 1966-67, leading the NHL in shutouts (9) and wins (30) in an All-Star season and propelling the Rangers to their first playoff appearance in five years.
Giacomin would be named to the All-Star team five more times in his career with six consecutive selections. He and the Rangers would make the Stanley Cup Finals once in 1972, losing to the Boston Bruins in six games.
In a heartfelt post on social media, the Rangers acknowledged how much "Eddie" meant to the franchise.
"Eddie Giacomin was an integral member of the New York Rangers for a decade and personified what being a Ranger is all about, both to his teammates and the Blueshirts faithful. You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie," the team said.
Giacomin was waived by the Rangers in 1975 and retired from play in 1978. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987, and had his signature No. 1 retired by the Rangers in 1989.
Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.