Veteran Leaf is closing in on setting a new NHL record
How great has Mark Giordano been since joining the Leafs? For less than a million dollars a season, he's been an absolute stud on the back end. Unlike Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau before him, he doesn't play like a greybeard, I often have to remind myself that he's the oldest player in the NHL.
Part of what makes Giordano so endearing to us fans is his very obvious commitment to the team. Gio is a warrior on the ice, he hits, stands up for his teammates, and without his fearless shot blocking, the Leafs wouldn't be where they are at in the standings this season. It's something he's done his entire NHL career, in fact, he's done it so well he's about to put his name into the NHL record books.
Since entering the league in the 2005-06 season, Giordano has blocked 2,037 shots, making him the NHL lol leader among active players. That's right, Gio has gotten in front of over 2,000 shots in his NHL career. He sits 3rd in NHL history behind Kris Russel (2,044) and the legendary Zeno Chara (2,164). Through 55 games this season, Gio has blocked 106 shots. Gio only needs to block 8 more to pass Russel, and 127 more over the course of this season and next to become the league's all time leader.
As far as NHL records go, most blocked shots may not be the most glamorous. Giordano isn't a glamorous player. What he is the ultimate teammate, one willing to lay it all on the line for his team. I, for one, am extremely proud to be able to watch him play for the Blue and White.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 16 | 270 ANSWERS Veteran Leaf is closing in on setting a new NHL record Will Mark Giordano become the NHL's all-time shot block recordholder? | ||
| Yes | 254 | 94.1 % |
| No | 16 | 5.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
