Ed Giacomin, a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender and one of the faces of the New York Rangers’ franchise in the 1960s and ’70s, has died. He was 86.Giacomin died of natural causes, a Rangers spokesperson said after the organization learned of the news from his family. A spokesperson for the NHL Alumni Association said Giacomin died at his home Sunday night.Known for puck-handling and leaving the crease before it was common practice for netminders, Giacomin won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie in 1970-71 and backstopped New York to the Stanley Cup Final in ’72.“Giacomin routinely heard chants of ‘Ed-die! Ed-die!’ from adoring Madison Square Garden crowds,” the NHL said in a statement. “We send our condolences to Eddie’s family, friends and the many fans he thrilled throughout his memorable career.”A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Giacomin was a five-time All-Star during more than a decade with the Rangers from 1965-76 before finishing his career with the Detroit Red Wings. His No. 1 is retired in the rafters at Madison Square Garden in New York, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.Popular ReadsThe Rangers in a statement said Giacomin personified what it meant to play for them, adding, “You cannot discuss the history of this org …
