NHL fans have mourned the loss of hockey icon Eddie Giacomin who died at the age of 86.
The Hall of Fame goalie passed away on Monday.
The late NHL legend Eddie Giacomin speaks onstage during the Madison Square Garden 2015 Walk of Fame Induction in 2015[/caption]
The iconic Rangers goalie Giacomin died on Monday at the age of 86[/caption]
The NHL Alumni Association revealed that the legendary Rangers goalie Giacomin died.
Giacomin earned all five of his All-Star nods with the Rangers and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.
The Rangers retired his No. 1 jersey two years later in 1989.
The franchise shared a statement on Giacomin’s passing.
“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,” the team said.
“You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie.
“The great Rod Gilbert called him the heart of their team, and we cannot think of a greater honor to bestow on one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game.
“Our thoughts are with Eddie’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”
NHL fans have sent social media tributes for the late Giacomin.
“Oh no! RIP Eddie,” one wrote.
“Rest peacefully legend,” another commented.
“RIP Eddie we love you,” a third said.
“One of the greatest goalies of ALL TIME! One of the guys that was involved in this community of New York City and the 5 Boroughs and always involved heavily in our beloved Organization the New York Rangers. Youll be missed very very much,” a fourth added.
Giacomin spent 11 seasons of his 13-year NHL career with the Rangers.
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 12: Eddie Giacomin attends the New York Rangers unveiling the 85th anniversary jersey at The Rink at Rockefeller Center on November 12, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Stewart/Getty Images)[/caption]
During those 11 years in New York, he recorded a 267-172-89 record with a 2.70 goals-against-average (GAA) and .902 save percentage.
Giacomin won the Vezina trophy after the 1970-71 season, where he posted a 2.07 GAA and led the league with eight shutouts.
One season later, Giacomin helped lead the Rangers to the 1972 Stanley Cup final, where the team lost to the Boston Bruins in six games.
After his playing days were over in 1978, Giacomin spent the following campaign as a broadcaster for the New York Islanders.
He would go on to serve as an assistant coach for the Isles and Detroit Red Wings, where he played his final two campaigns in the NHL, before several stints with the Blueshirts as a goaltending coach.
