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Some thoughts from D Girardi on joining Lightning

 
New Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girard. Girardi meets the Tampa Bay media for the first time since signing with the Lightning on July 1 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Monday morning.
New Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girard. Girardi meets the Tampa Bay media for the first time since signing with the Lightning on July 1 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Monday morning.
Published July 17, 2017

New Lightning D Dan Girardi met with the Tampa Bay media Monday morning. Here is some of what he said …

On his game after 11 years in New York with the Rangers:

"I feel 100 percent great. I feel hungrier than I have been in any other year. I feel like maybe you've been in one place so long you kind of get on cruise control and that might not be great for your career. I feel like what happened to me might have jump-started it."

On playing against the Lightning:

"I didn't like them very much. They're a fast team and very dynamic. They make you pay for your mistakes. I'm glad to be part of the team and not the enemy."

On being bought out by the Rangers after last season:

"Obviously it was a little bit surprising. You hear rumblings here and there throughout the year, but until it actually happens you're a little bit surprised. It is what it is. It's way in the past for me, even though it wasn't that long ago. I'm way past my chapter in New York here. I'm looking forward to my time in Tampa, take advantage of it and do some good things here."

On those who say his best days are behind him:

"I think I play a smart game on the ice. I'm not always the fastest, but I'm going to block shots. I'm going to eat hits. I'm going to give hits. I'm going to do everything I can to help the team win, and that's the person I am, and I really don't care what anyone else says around the rink. I know the GM, coaches want me here and the players want me here and that's all that matters to me."