If it was up to Dan Girardi, he'd be playing.

That was the latest from New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault, who said his defenseman has been "unfairly criticized," according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen, even though Girardi's been nothing but a team-first character throughout his time in Manhattan.

Vigneault added he doesn't expect Girardi or Ryan McDonagh to practice Monday, and both remain day to day.

Girardi's an easy target for Rangers' fans, thanks in part to his bloated contract. He's making $5.5 million against the salary cap and though he'll turn 32 at the end of the month, he's signed through 2019-20.

A Ranger his entire career, Girardi had two goals and 15 assists this season, posting a ghastly 41.7 percent Corsi For rating, according to War On Ice, easily the worst of his career. The Rangers aren't a strong possession team to begin with, and Girardi's an anchor.

McDonagh's yet to suit up in the playoffs, while Girardi missed Game 2, which the Rangers won. The series with the Pittsburgh Penguins is tied up at one as it shifts to Madison Square Garden. New York's now got home-ice advantage.

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