NHL

Rangers’ Girardi looks to rebound from costly Game 1 gaffe

LOS ANGELES — Dan Girardi went from the penthouse to the outhouse in a hurry, from helping the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup finals to being the Game 1 goat, committing the costly own-zone giveaway that led to Kings forward Justin Williams’ game-winning overtime goal.

“There’s really no worse feeling than that,” Girardi said, later adding it made him “feel lower than you’ve ever felt before.”

The 30-year-old defenseman has handled the gaffe with aplomb, facing the music — the media — after the devastating series-opening loss. He rehashed the painful memory again Friday after practice at the Staples Center and talked about his mindset and temperament as the Rangers prepare for a mammoth Game 2 on Saturday.

Girardi admitted to stewing over the miscue on Thursday, during the Rangers’ off day, spending much of his free time in his hotel room, taking a brief walk in Santa Monica and going for a swim in the ocean. But when the Rangers got back to business on Friday, going through a light practice, he said it was behind him — before, of course, reporters dredged it up again.

“No matter what happens in the game, you have to have a short-term memory,” he said. “If you have a good game, you can’t feel too good about yourself, and just show up and play the game. Or if you have a bad game, you can’t be nervous about making mistakes and playing on your heels.

Justin Williams #14 is checked by Dan Girardi #5 in the third period during Game One.Getty Images

“You got to go into every game with a fresh start, have a clear mind and know you’re going to have a good game.”

Girardi has come a long way as a Ranger, from an undrafted free agent to a $5.5 million-a-year top pairing blue-liner. He was an All-Star in 2011-12, signed to a new contract this year and is a vital part of the best Rangers team in 20 years, a workmanlike defenseman known for blocking shots and shutting down top forwards.

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said he isn’t worried about Girardi’s frame of mind.

“I think he’s going to be fine,” Vigneault said. “Everybody understands the dynamic of that play. You know, Dan’s got to turn the page and move on. He’s been one of our real solid defensemen, not only in the playoffs and the regular season, but he’s a real hard worker, and I’m sure that he’s focused on the next game now.”

Indeed, Girardi is ready to get back on the ice and help the Rangers even the series, and doesn’t think the extra time between games is a negative or a positive, though he did spend extra time rewinding it in his head.

“It’s kind of a good and bad thing,” he said. “You make a mistake, you want to kind of fix it right away and have a good game, But at the same time, it’s a little longer for you to clear your head and get some rest, be ready for the next game.”

“You got to move on. We got a huge opportunity to get it 1-1 going back to our building. … Today is a new day. It’s sunny in California and we have a chance to play Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals.”