Eddie Giacomin
The acrobatic netminder who electrified Madison Square Garden and won two Vezina Trophies.
Ed Giacomin stands as one of the most iconic goaltenders in New York Rangers history, anchoring the team's defense during a turbulent yet exciting era in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Known for his acrobatic style, intense competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure, he became the face of the franchise following the departure of Gump Worsley. His tenure transformed the Rangers from perennial underachievers into a legitimate playoff contender, earning him the nickname "The Mad Russian" due to his fiery demeanor on the ice.
- Position
- Goaltender
- Team
- New York Rangers
- NHL All-Star Selections
- 3 (1968, 1970, 1972)
- Vezina Trophy Wins
- 2 (1970, 1972)
- Conn Smythe Trophy
- Winner (1974 - as part of the Rangers' playoff run)
- Jersey Number
- 35
- Legacy Status
- Rangers Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
His partnership with Hall of Famer Rod Gilbert and his intense rivalry with Boston Bruins goaltender Gerry Cheevers defined an era. Giacomin was known for his psychological warfare as much as his saves, frequently engaging in trash talk to unsettle opponents. This intensity culminated in back-to-back Vezina Trophy wins in 1970 and 1972, recognizing him as the league's top goaltender during those seasons. His leadership helped guide the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1940 in 1972.
In Their Own Story
The arena hums with a low, electric tension as the clock winds down in the third period of Game 5 against Boston. The ice is scarred and rough, reflecting the harsh lights above. Giacomin drops to his knees, his eyes locked on the puck, breathing heavily through the cold air. A Bruins forward winds up for a slap shot from the circle; the sound of the stick cracking echoes like thunder. In a blur of motion, Eddie dives, spreading his pads wide in a desperate butterfly save, freezing time as the puck skitters harmlessly past his glove hand into the corner.
Reader's Guide
Eddie Giacomin's impact on the Rangers is defined by his ability to elevate the entire team through sheer will and technical brilliance. He revolutionized goaltending for New York fans by combining the traditional butterfly technique with an aggressive, athletic style that allowed him to cover more of the net than ever before. His signature plays often involved acrobatic dives and sprawling saves in traffic, which became a staple of Rangers' highlight reels during the 1970s. Giacomin was particularly renowned for his performance in high-stakes playoff games, where his composure under pressure turned potential losses into victories. He is enshrined in team lore not just for his stats, but for his personality. "The Mad Russian" brought a fire to Madison Square Garden that resonated deeply with the fanbase. His two Vezina Trophies and three All-Star selections cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders to ever wear the blue and white sweater.
Did You Know?
- Giacomin was nicknamed "The Mad Russian" by fans and media due to his intense, fiery personality on the ice.
- He is one of only a few Rangers goalies to win the Vezina Trophy twice during his career with the team.
- His jersey number 35 is retired by the New York Rangers in honor of his contributions to the franchise.