Rookie Goalie Garand Shuts Out Red Wings After Being Waived
Dylan Garand, called up after an injury to the Rangers' presumed backup, made 23 saves in his first career shutout.
Detroit — Rangers rookie goalie Dylan Garand recorded his first career shutout Friday night, making 23 saves in a 2-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The performance comes just a week after Garand was waived and assigned to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack.
Garand was recalled to the Rangers after the team placed Joonas Korpisalo on injured reserve with a lower-body injury just before their home opener. This rapid turn of events has sidelined the competition for the backup goaltender position behind Igor Shesterkin, making Garand's strong showing critical.
Sean Durzi opened the scoring for the Rangers on a power play in the first period, and Eeli Tolvanen added an empty-net goal late in the game to seal the victory. The Red Wings outshot the Rangers in the first period but were unable to capitalize.
The Red Wings organization is currently navigating a period of transition, having recently moved staple front-office member Steve Yzerman to an advisory role and promoting Shawn Horcoff to interim general manager. The team also faced fan discontent, with boos directed at the organization and a "sell the team" chant heard in the arena, particularly as Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade this summer and was stripped of his captaincy, was in street clothes due to an injury.
Despite the whirlwind of being waived and then quickly recalled, Garand appeared sharp in his season debut. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan stated that he has had numerous conversations with Garand, assuring him of the organization's belief in his abilities.