Leafs D-man could set a new NHL record tonight against the Wild; teammate jokes about a potential gift for the former Norris Trophy winner
When you play as long as Mark Giordano has, there's a pretty good chance that at some point in your career, you'll be climbing pretty high on the leaderboard for at least one stat, whichever that might be. We long thought that Wayne Gretzky's 894 career goals would never be touched, but now here we are, watching Alex Ovechkin inch closer and closer to being the greatest goal scorer of all-time. Well, Gio might not be a threat to break any scoring records, but he is very close to setting an NHL record.
In recent weeks, it has become clear that it's not a matter of "if" but "when" Giordano breaks the record for most career blocked shots, currently held by his friend and former teammate, Kris Russell. Gio is currently sitting at 2,041 shot blocks, just 3 behind Russell, who has 2,044. There's a pretty solid chance that Giordano breaks that record before the weekend is over - possibly even tonight against the Minnesota Wild.
This morning, following the game-day skate, Morgan Rielly joked about what the Leafs might do for Gio once he breaks the record. Rielly suggested that the Leafs may get Gio "a golden shin pad or something".
Giordano has played some solid hockey this year for the Leafs, seemingly defying the laws of age, turning back the hands of time and looking like he's 5 years younger out on the ice. He is currently paired with young Swede Timothy Liljegren.
The Leafs will look to continue to build some momentum as we approach the home stretch. Originally, it appeared as though Rasmus Sandin would return tonight after he took part in yesterday's practice, but head coach Sheldon Keefe warned us on Thursday that Sandin may yet need a day or two. Sandin took part in extra activities after today's morning skate, so it looks as though he will indeed sit out one more, which means the defense pairings will likely look like this:
Rielly-Brodie
Giordano-Liljegren
Timmins-Holl
The Wild are the first team who are projected to make the playoffs that the Leafs have played since returning from the All-Star break.
