Dylan Garand recorded his first career NHL shutout on Friday night, stopping all 22 shots he faced to anchor the New York Rangers in a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. The 24-year-old rookie netminder became the fourth goaltender in Rangers history to pitch a shutout within his first four NHL starts, joining Steve Baker, Mackenzie Skapski, and Henrik Lundqvist.
Dylan Garand Recalled From Hartford Following Joonas Korpisalo Injury
The performance arrived at the end of a turbulent week for the young goaltender. After being placed on waivers on Monday and going unclaimed, Garand was assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack and given an apartment. Just two practices later, the Rangers recalled him following an injury to backup Joonas Korpisalo. Korpisalo was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury before the team’s home opener.
“Cut on Sunday. Waivers Monday. No claim. Go down to Hartford, get an apartment. And then, you know, two practices and back up and playing on Friday. Crazy, crazy week,” Garand said.
Sean Durzi and Eeli Tolvanen Supply Offense Against Detroit
Playing the second half of a back-to-back and their third game in four nights to open the season, the Rangers secured early momentum. Sean Durzi opened the scoring 5:12 into the first period with a power-play goal, firing a clean point shot off a pass from Gabe Perreault. An apparent second goal by Oliver Bjorkstrand was overturned following an official video review for an offside entry.
Detroit played without star center Dylan Larkin, who has an upper-body injury. The Red Wings nearly scored at 15:50 of the first period when former Ranger Andrew Copp tipped a shot from debutant 22-year-old defenseman Anton Johansson, but the puck bounced into Garand’s butterfly crouch after hitting the right post.
Tempers flared late in the second period when Durzi dropped the gloves with Red Wings forward Marco Kasper, landing a right-handed haymaker that sent the 22-year-old to the ice. Eeli Tolvanen sealed the victory with 1:16 remaining in the third period by firing an empty-netter, marking his second goal in as many nights.
Mike Sullivan Praises Goalie’s Character and Competitiveness
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan expressed strong admiration for how his backup handled the demotion and subsequent recall. Sullivan pointed to Garand’s work ethic and focus during a highly competitive stretch of professional hockey.
“It speaks volumes for his character,” Sullivan said. “He’s just a good person, first and foremost. He loves hockey. You can see it. I can see it every time I see him walk through the door.”
Sullivan added that Garand is a “fierce competitor” and that he has a “great attitude.” He noted that Garand made “some big saves” during the middle of the game.
Garand sports an undefeated regulation record of 3-0-1 through his first four NHL appearances, alongside a 1.22 goals-against average and a .958 save percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dylan Garand and the Rangers
How did Dylan Garand end up back in New York so quickly after being sent down?
Garand was placed on waivers on Monday and assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, but returned to the NHL roster just five days later when backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
What historic milestone did Garand reach with his performance against Detroit?
By securing a 22-save shutout in his season debut, Garand became the first Rangers goaltender since Henrik Lundqvist in 2005-06 to earn at least one point in each of his first NHL games, and the fourth in franchise history to record a shutout within his first four starts.
Which players scored for the Rangers in the 2-0 victory at Little Caesars Arena?
Sean Durzi scored a power-play goal in the first period off an assist from Gabe Perreault, and Eeli Tolvanen added an empty-net goal in the final two minutes of the third period.