New York Rangers goaltending prospect Dylan Garand shows great potential
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
The New York Rangers have a good thing in Hartford, as the AHL squad put up a solid performance against the Syracuse Crunch.
On November 6th they'd secure an overtime victory, putting them ahead of the Crunch, 2-1.
The big factor that saved the Wolfpack, was Rangers prospect Dylan Garand who made 31 saves that night.
Wolfpack Alternate Captain Alex Belzile complimented Garand on his abilities last night.
It wasn't just the big saves, but his great play in net overall. «He played the puck really well, and it was a big help for our breakouts,» said Alex Belzile, who scored the overtime-winning goal.
Garand's proven himself to have great upside, and could find himself like Shesterkin does in the NHL the one to carry the Wolfpack to victory this season.
Garand was able to shut down the Crunch's attempts to beat him top-shelf, but his ability to flash the glove gave the Crunch nothing until the final 16 seconds of the game.
Garand noted he was «seeing the puck well,» which was noticeable, as he was laser-focused on the play and anticipated shots well. In the latest game, the Wolf Pack defense helped him out by playing the passing lanes but also allowing him sightlines to see the shot. That said, Garand stepped up and stopped 31 shots, some of which weren't easy to handle.
Garand's strong glove makes him a competent goaltender who is difficult to beat. He has a .910 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.52 goals-against average (GAA) on 145 shots, and his ability to remain calm despite the surplus of shots has also stood out. In the first period against the Crunch, he made 13 saves, while the Wolf Pack's offense only generated three shots. Even with the ice tilted, he can still keep the score low.
Garand is making a showing, as he first started the season on October 19th against the Bridgeport Islanders. He's grown in confidence, and for a smaller goalie at 6'1" stature, and 176 pounds he will have to use his athleticism to use to be successful. Much like how the Preds Juuse Saros plays, with aggression.
Garands Shortcomings
Garand's strong glove makes him a competent goaltender who is difficult to beat. He has a .910 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.52 goals-against average (GAA) on 145 shots, and his ability to remain calm despite the surplus of shots has also stood out. In the first period against the Crunch, he made 13 saves, while the Wolf Pack's offense only generated three shots. Even with the ice tilted, he can still keep the score low.
Garand is making a showing, as he first started the season on October 19th against the Bridgeport Islanders. He's grown in confidence, and for a smaller goalie at 6'1" stature, and 176 pounds he will have to use his athleticism to use to be successful. Much like how the Preds Juuse Saros plays, with aggression.
«I don't want to be inconsistent,» Garand noted after the latest game, something that is an issue for most goaltenders at the American Hockey League (AHL) level but particularly for a goaltender willing to go all out to make a stop.
Garand's Upside
Could Garand use success in the AHL as a means of becoming Igor Shesterkin's back up in the NHL? It could be the pathway for him. Garand could be next in line, as Jonathan Quick will be turning 39, Garand at 22 could be the Rangers next option at the position.
It could happen soon, as the Rangers will need to consider options in net once they sign Shesterkin to a long-term deal.
In the meantime Garand will need to play lights out to keep GM Chris Drury's eyes fixated on his stellar performance in the AHL.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 7 | 415 ANSWERS New York Rangers goaltending prospect Dylan Garand shows great potential Do you think Dylan Garand will be the backup goalie for the Rangers in 2025-2026? | ||
| Yes | 263 | 63.4 % |
| no | 152 | 36.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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