Dylan Garand Records First NHL Shutout as Rangers Blank Red Wings
The New York Rangers spoiled Detroit’s season opener Friday night, shutting out the Red Wings 2-0 at Little Caesars Arena.
Goaltender Dylan Garand was the difference-maker, stopping all 22 shots to record the first shutout of his NHL career.
Sean Durzi provided the opening goal on the power play, while Eeli Tolvanen added an empty-netter late in the third period to secure the Rangers’ second victory of the young season.
Garand Delivers Under Pressure
Garand made his first start of the 2026-27 campaign after appearing in three games for New York last season and finishing with a 2-0-1 record.
The timing wasn’t exactly easy.
The Rangers were playing their second game in as many nights and their third game of the season after defeating Tampa Bay 5-1 on Thursday.
Despite the demanding schedule, Garand remained composed throughout the night.
His biggest test came during the second period when he stopped J.T. Compher from close range, preserving New York’s advantage.
Durzi Gives Rangers the Lead
New York broke through at 5:12 of the opening period during a power play.
With Detroit’s Nate Danielson serving a penalty, Gabe Perreault moved the puck from the right circle toward the high slot.
Durzi stepped into the pass and fired a one-timer beyond John Gibson to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead.
Will Cuylle picked up the secondary assist.
Durzi nearly doubled his goal total shortly afterward, but his apparent second goal was overturned following a Detroit challenge for offside.
Detroit also came close to answering when Anton Johansson’s shot struck the right post later in the period.
Red Wings Struggle to Generate Offense
John Gibson kept Detroit within striking distance, finishing with 19 saves.
But the Red Wings struggled to create sustained offensive pressure, particularly as the game progressed.
Detroit managed only two shots on goal during the entire third period, making a comeback increasingly difficult.
The Red Wings were also missing two important pieces.
Larkin and Edvinsson Absent
Former Detroit captain and first-line center Dylan Larkin missed the opener because of an upper-body injury.
Larkin’s offseason trade request has already made him one of the biggest storylines surrounding the franchise, and the crowd made its feelings known during pregame introductions as he was booed.
Some fans also chanted “Sell the team!” during the game.
Meanwhile, defenseman Simon Edvinsson was also unavailable. The restricted free agent remains unsigned while contract negotiations with Detroit continue.
His absence left the Red Wings without another important player on the back end.
Rangers Close It Out
The physicality picked up in the second period, with Durzi and Detroit’s Marco Kasper exchanging punches with 7:47 remaining in the frame.
But neither team could add to the score until the final minutes.
With Detroit unable to find an equalizer, Tolvanen sealed the Rangers’ victory with an empty-net goal at 1:16 remaining.
Tye Kartye and Adam Fox were credited with the assists.
Garand finished the night with 22 saves and his first NHL shutout, while New York improved its record to 2-1-0.
For Detroit, the season began with a frustrating home loss and plenty of questions surrounding both its lineup and the direction of the organization.
