Dylan Garand gets his chance as Rangers adjust without Shesterkin
The rookie starts Sunday against Vancouver, with Mike Sullivan backing him and J.T. Miller calling on teammates to share the load.
Dylan Garand takes over in goal for the New York Rangers on Sunday against Vancouver at Madison Square Garden, with Igor Shesterkin sidelined for the season by a lower-body injury.
Coach Mike Sullivan said Garand has the ability and confidence to handle the opportunity. Garand, speaking Saturday, said he was ready and motivated to prove himself after going unclaimed on waivers before the season.
Garand has three wins in five career NHL appearances, including four starts, with a 1.31 goals-against average and a .954 save percentage. His first NHL shutout came Oct. 2, when he stopped 22 shots in a 2-0 win at Detroit.
New York recalled him from Hartford on Oct. 1 after an injury to Joonas Korpisalo. Garand then made 11 saves on 12 shots when he replaced Shesterkin in Friday's 3-1 loss at Washington.
Captain J.T. Miller said the responsibility extends beyond the crease. He called for teammates to contribute more while expressing confidence in the team's play regardless of who is in goal.
