Dan Girardi reflects on lessons learned from John Tortorella

Dan Girardi discussed his experiences playing under coach John Tortorella during his time with the New York Rangers from 2009 to 2013. Girardi credited Tortorella for significantly influencing his career, emphasizing how the coach taught him professionalism and resilience. Despite the demanding nature of Tortorella's coaching style, Girardi shared humorous anecdotes from their interactions, including moments when he faced Tortorella's tough love approach. Girardi played 788 regular-season games for the Rangers, helping to lead the team to the Stanley Cup Playoffs ten times during his tenure. He acknowledged the bond and mutual respect between himself and Tortorella, despite the occasional harshness of their exchanges.

• 6:37 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Rangers coach ‘showed me how to be a pro,’ still ‘roasted’ Dan Girardi