What to Make of the Promising Debut of the Rangers Top Goalie Prospect
With less than a month remaining in the regular season, the New York Rangers have shown quite a few bright spots in March. Despite a long season of what seems to be an unwatchable team that could sink no lower, the kids have begun to emerge, giving fans an early sign of what the future holds. With the sudden surge from players like Alexis Lafreniere, Gabe Perreault, and Tye Kartye, some kind of future may be unraveling for the Blueshirts. With a season full of plenty of NHL debuts, last night saw the long-awaited debut of New York's top goalie prospect. For the longest time now, the 23-year-old prospect has been expected to make his NHL debut soon, having been called up several times but not taking the ice. After much patience, the goalie prospect took the ice due to Jonathan Quick being day-to-day with an upper-body injury and made 35 saves to earn the Rangers a point in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets. A long-awaited debut indeed for Dylan Garand, but should fans be impressed with his first NHL game in net?
The Canadian-born prospect had his chances last season to make his NHL debut, but sadly, more patience was needed. It's no surprise to fans that his debut was approaching, though; his effort in the AHL made him worthy of a start. Just last year, Garand had himself a convincing season on the Hartford Wolf Pack, recording a 20-10-8 record, with a 0.913 save percentage and GAA of 2.73. In parts of five seasons in Hartford, Garand has fought to maintain a record of 63-56-18, including a record of 10-7-0 record in the Calder Cup Playoffs with a .927 save percentage. It's no surprise the Rangers have been known over the last two decades for their goaltending, so who's to say the trend can't continue with Dylan Garand? Of course, compared to the AHL, the NHL is a whole different story, so what exactly stood out about Garand in Madison Square Garden last night?
Despite not facing a playoff-caliber team, Garand fought through regulation and overtime against an opponent that was outshooting his team, which is already a big highlight for an NHL debut. Turning aside 35 shots throughout the game gives fans the example of a prospect who certainly does not crumble under pressure and keeps himself locked in for those in front of him. It's hard to blame the prospect for a shootout loss when going against players like Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi, who both beat Garand to win it for Winnipeg. Despite the chances of Jonathan Quick returning quickly, Garand could develop well if he remains as backup for Igor Shesterkin to end the regular season. As good a backup as Quick has been through these last three seasons, the Rangers have no reason to keep a 23-year-old prospect without some NHL experience. The journey has just begun for 23-year-old Dylan Garand, and whether it's in the NHL or AHL, his development is one to watch as he looks to be part of the New York Rangers future.
