- Eddie Giacomin totaled 290 wins for the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.
- The Rangers fan favorite was serenaded with chants of ‘Eddie, Eddie’ when he returned to Madison Square Garden with the Red Wings.
- He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987. The Rangers retired his No. 1 jersey in 1989.
Hall of Fame goaltender Eddie Giacomin, who starred for the New York Rangers in the 1960s and 1970s, has died at the age of 86, the team said.
Giacomin was the Rangers’ franchise leader with 267 regular-season victories when he was claimed by the Detroit Red Wings off waivers in 1975. That figure has been surpassed in Rangers history only by Mike Richter (301) and Henrik Lundqvist (459).
The six-time All-Star led the league three times in victories and in shutouts. He had 30 or more wins during four seasons with the Rangers, won the Vezina Trophy in 1970-71 and went to the Stanley Cup Final in 1972.
‘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. You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie,’ the Rangers said in a statement.
‘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.’
Giacomin’s Rangers career ended when he was placed on waivers and claimed by the Red Wings on Oct. 31, 1975. He appeared in Madison Square Garden two days later and was serenaded by Rangers fans with chants of ‘Eddie, Eddie.’ Detroit won the game 6-4.
He retired in 1978 with a 290-209-96 record, 2.82 goals-against average and 54 shutouts.
Giacomin became a New York Islanders broadcaster and later an assistant coach for the Islanders and Red Wings. He had two stints as a Rangers goalie coach.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987. The Rangers retired his No. 1 jersey in 1989.
