Dylan Garand bounces back in big way as Rangers handle Blues to end four-game skid
If the Rangers could put their last loss on Dylan Garand, as the rookie goaltender declared in the aftermath of Sunday’s dreadful defeat, then they can put this win on him, too.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.
Garand, playing in his 11th consecutive game since Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury and recently struggling in his chance to audition as the Blueshirts starter, delivered the performance the Rangers needed to snap their four-game skid in a 3-1 victory over the Blues at the Garden on Tuesday.He made 31 saves to nearly post his second shutout of the season, allowing a goal in the final minute of the game.He anchored the victory that marked just their second win over the past eight games.
Paired with Adam Fox’s second-period goal, Oliver Bjorkstrand’s third-period tally and Eeli Tolvanen’s empty-net goal, his performance made the difference as the Rangers (8-7-1) took a needed step toward proving their early-season tear wasn’t a fluke.At the center of that, of course, was Garand — because until Joonas Korpisalo returns, he remains at the center of everything the Blueshirts do.After collecting a .951 save percentage over his first four appearances, Garand stumbled to an .871 mark and a 1-5-1 record over his next seven outings.
Sunday, against the Oilers and Connor McDavid, marked another growing pain, especially in the first period.But two nights later, with Korpisalo continuing to progress and nearing a chance to make his own statement in net, Garand reminded the Rangers of his potential until the late rebound ruined his shutout bid.The Blueshirts took three penalties in the first period and had some other defensive lapses, but Garand turned aside all 10 shots he faced.He flashed his glove on multiple occasions and avoided allowing rebounds to sit in high-danger areas.
On one sequence, Blues forward Mason McTavish got around ...