Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

Rangers Weigh Garand for Backup Job After Three Strong NHL Starts

Quick's retirement forces a Rangers decision on whether to trust Dylan Garand.

Image
Dylan Garand, New York Rangers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand (33) protects during the third period when the New York Rangers played the Chicago Blackhawks Friday, March 27, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, NY. , Image 2 shows Gabe Perreault #94 of the New York Rangers is greeted by center J.T. Miller #8 of the New York Rangers after he scores a goal during the third period at Madison Square Garden, Saturday April 4th, 2026

Overview

  • Dylan Garand capped his audition by stopping 29 of 31 shots in a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay in Wednesday’s season finale, as coach Mike Sullivan praised his rebound control.
  • The 23-year-old went 2-0-1 with a 1.62 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage across three NHL starts after his March 22 debut.
  • Jonathan Quick announced his retirement Monday, leaving an open spot behind starter Igor Shesterkin.
  • During Shesterkin’s 13-game January absence, New York chose veteran Spencer Martin over Garand and went on to lose 11 of 13 as Martin posted an .863 save percentage and a 4.13 GAA.
  • Management now faces whether to promote Garand, whose AHL form dipped during Hartford’s tough January, or bring in a veteran to steady next season’s goaltending.