Rangers Goaltending Woes Continue in Loss to Kings
New acquisition James Reimer struggled in his debut, allowing three goals before being pulled as the Rangers' issues in net persist.
The New York Rangers' persistent goaltending problems were exacerbated Monday night as new acquisition James Reimer allowed three goals on eight shots in his first start, leading to a 6-3 loss against the Los Angeles Kings. This defeat ended the Rangers' undefeated streak at Madison Square Garden.
Head coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged the heavy workload placed on rookie netminder Dylan Garand, who had started the previous seven games and appeared in eight consecutively since the season-ending injury to star goalie Igor Shesterkin. The signing of Reimer, who was on a professional tryout with the Rangers' AHL affiliate in Hartford, was intended to provide Garand with relief.
However, Garand found himself back in the net at the start of the second period with the Rangers trailing 3-1. The 38-year-old Reimer appeared slow to react in his NHL debut for the season, conceding goals on the first two shots he faced. Even as the Rangers began to gain momentum following J.T. Miller's goal, Reimer was unable to stop Drew Doughty's one-timer from the top of the zone, halting any potential comeback.
Pulled early, Reimer's struggles forced Garand to face a Kings power play almost immediately, resulting in a goal from former Ranger Artemi Panarin that extended the deficit to 4-1. Garand ultimately allowed two goals on 17 shots, marking his fifth regulation loss of the season. The article notes that despite flashes of potential, it remains uncertain if Garand is a long-term solution for the Rangers.
The team is looking to Joonas Korpisalo, who has been on injured reserve with a foot infection, as a potential stabilizing force. Korpisalo is projected to return around November 7, according to Sullivan, and has been making progress in his recovery. However, the 32-year-old goaltender has not achieved a save percentage above .900 in a full season since 2022-23.
Rangers management had hoped to utilize cap relief from Shesterkin's injury to strengthen other areas of the team, but the ongoing goaltending issues may necessitate prioritizing that position. The team's defensive structure has also been called into question, potentially undermining the effectiveness of any goaltending reinforcements.
The Rangers' loss came against a Kings team that had struggled to start their season. The game marked the return of former Rangers coach Peter Laviolette to Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts have now allowed at least five goals in three consecutive games, falling to a 7-6-1 record on the season.