AV was giving Girardi, who I believe is the franchise record holder for most playoff games played, the benefit of the doubt to see if once the playoffs started and the game gets tougher he would return to form. I had no issue playing Girardi through the regular season (although he could have used a rest day here and there for sure) and giving him the first crack at the playoffs. But Wednesday night showed the guy is done. He has no legs and the game (and the system) is too fast for him. Marc Staal can get by because he's a better athlete than Girardi is, and has a much longer reach which allows him to give up more room. Girardi got by purely on toughness and hard work. Unfortunately that isn't good enough anymore, and it's time for him to take a seat for McIlrath. However, I'm not sure AV is going to do that with McDonagh still out and I can see that argument. The counter, of course, is that if something doesnt change we may be out before McDonagh even has a chance to come back. If it's me, after what I saw on Wednesday, McIlrath is in for sure.
