Mark Giordano explains emotional scene in last night’s game

Toronto Maple Leafs veteran defenseman Mark Giordano scored his second goal of the season on Thursday night against the visiting Washington Capitals. After finding the back of the net, the blue liner pointed to the sky with emotion. This is only the third game he’s played since his father, Paul, died in mid-February and wanted to pay tribute to his dad as he opened the scoring in Toronto.

Giordano’s father passed on February 16. The Maple Leafs had released a statement on Giordano’s father shortly after his death was announced.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Mark and the entire Giordano family,” the team said on X, formerly Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.”

After the game, Giordano explained why he had to do what he did after scoring the first goal of the contest.

“It’s something I promised myself I was going to do when I scored.”

Giordano, who played for the Calgary Flames for the first 15 years of his professional career, serving as captain for eight years before joining the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft, came to Toronto in in 2022 from Seattle and has played for his hometown team since.

The Maple Leafs’ blue liner was just back into action after being taken off long-term injured reserve. The 2019 Norris Trophy winner entered last night’s lineup for the first time since Feb. 29. He suffered a concussion in his last game against the Arizona Coyotes almost a month ago, and had also taken time away from the team in February following the death of his father, having been out of the lineup with a lower-body injury not long before that.

In 39 games this season, Giordano has scored two goals and eight points. And this one came with a special thanks to his father. What a great gesture!

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