Ed Giacomin Dies at Age 86, Rangers Legend Was Inducted into Hall of Fame in 1987

Legendary goaltender Ed Giacomin died Monday at the age of 86.

Giacomin was a six-time All-Star and earned induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987. The New York Rangers also retired the No. 1 sweater in his honor.

"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," the team said in a statement. "You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie. 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 debuted with the Rangers in 1965-66. By his second season, he led the NHL in wins (30) and total saves (1,916), and he was runner-up to Stan Mikita in the Hart Trophy voting.

His best year was in 1970-71. He boasted a .922 save percentage and had a 2.16 goals-against average with eight shutouts en route to winning the Vezina Trophy, sharing the honor with teammate Gilles Villemure.

With Giacomin between the pipes, New York made the playoffs for nine straight years after he became a regular starter, which included a trip to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final.

Giacomin spent his final two and a half seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, who signed him in 1975 after the Rangers placed him on waivers. He received a hero's welcome in his first game back at Madison Square Garden, with Rangers fans chanting his name despite him playing for the other team.

Giacomin is third all-time in wins (267) and second in shutouts (49) among Rangers goaltenders.