Rangers Shut Out Red Wings as Frustration Boils Over in Detroit
The Detroit Red Wings’ season opener turned into a difficult night both on the ice and in the stands.
Dylan Larkin was booed during pregame introductions, fans briefly chanted “sell the team!”, and Detroit’s offensive struggles continued as the New York Rangers left Little Caesars Arena with a 2-0 victory.
The loss extended Detroit’s difficult start to the season-opening game, with the Red Wings now dropping their fourth consecutive opener.
Garand Steals the Spotlight
New York backup goaltender Dylan Garand delivered an impressive performance in just his fourth NHL appearance.
The young netminder stopped all 22 shots he faced to record his first NHL shutout and help the Rangers improve to 2-1-0.
The Rangers entered Detroit on the second half of a back-to-back and playing their third game in four nights, but the Red Wings were unable to take advantage of the potential fatigue.
Detroit generated only limited offensive pressure throughout the night.
Gibson Keeps Detroit Close
Red Wings goaltender John Gibson also performed well, making 19 saves and keeping his team within striking distance.
The problem was in front of him.
Detroit struggled to generate enough quality scoring opportunities, an issue that was already one of the team’s major concerns entering the new season.
The absence of Larkin only made that challenge more difficult.
Larkin’s Return Remains Uncertain
Larkin, who requested a trade during the offseason, watched the opening-night action from the bench in street clothes.
During the traditional player introductions, the scoreboard camera showed the injured captain standing with the team’s scratches, coaches and support staff.
The crowd reaction was unmistakable.
Larkin was booed as his name was announced, adding another layer to an already complicated situation surrounding the Detroit captain.
The forward is expected to miss at least the first two games because of an upper-body injury suffered while training during the offseason. A potential return could come Tuesday against Ottawa.
Edvinsson Also Missing
Detroit was also without defenseman Simon Edvinsson, whose contract situation has become another major storyline surrounding the organization.
The restricted free agent returned to Sweden this week while negotiations on a new contract remain unresolved.
Edvinsson’s absence leaves another significant hole in Detroit’s lineup, particularly on a night when the team was already missing its top-line center.
Durzi Opens the Scoring
The Rangers took advantage of their early power-play opportunity.
At 5:12 of the first period, defenseman Sean Durzi stepped into the play and fired a one-timer past Gibson to give New York the lead.
The goal was Durzi’s first as a Ranger and provided the visitors with an early advantage.
Not long afterward, frustration inside Little Caesars Arena boiled over as some fans began chanting “sell the team!”
New York protected its lead before Eeli Tolvanen sealed the result with an empty-net goal with 1:16 remaining.
Detroit Faces Another Home Test
The Red Wings will have little time to dwell on the defeat.
Detroit hosts the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon as it looks to respond after a disappointing opening night.
The schedule gives the Red Wings plenty of early opportunities to establish themselves, with their first four games and seven of their opening eight contests being played at home.
But after Friday’s loss, the pressure around the organization is already beginning to build.
