Dylan Garand, the Rangers and the Madison Square Garden crowd shared a moment tonight that would have been hard to imagine a week ago.
Fans gave Garand the kind of cheers usually reserved for Igor Shesterkin, and the young goalie was all smiles afterward. "That felt really good," he said.
"Honestly, kind of felt a little weird. It's typically reserved for Shesty, so it was a little weird in that sense, but it felt so good."
He earned it. The Rangers beat Tampa Bay 4-1, improving to 6-2-0, two nights after a 6-2 win over Vancouver.
Garand now has three wins, a .951 save percentage and a shutout this season. That's the kind of start that turns a backup into a fan favourite fast.
"I've felt so much support from these fans and it really means a lot to me," he said.
Mike Sullivan's Rangers ride Dylan Garand with Shesterkin out for the season
The timing makes it bigger. Shesterkin is out for the season, and the young goalie suddenly carries the hopes of a franchise built around elite goaltending.
Joonas Korpisalo remains on injured reserve until at least Oct. 19, so there's very little cushion behind him.
The 24-year-old carries an $875,000 cap hit. For that price, the Rangers are getting starter-level play right when they need it most.
The cheers are earned. Garand has stepped into an impossible spot and made it look calm, and New York fans are right to let him know they've noticed.
It's like the understudy getting a standing ovation on opening night. Nobody bought a ticket to see him, but everyone leaves talking about him.
The Rangers visit New Jersey on Thursday. The cheering section will be smaller there, but the job stays the same.
Garand said it felt a little weird. If he keeps this up, hearing his name at the Garden won't feel strange much longer.
Can Dylan Garand carry the Rangers for the rest of the season?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Nathan MacKinnon bloodied in fight with Stars' Roope Hintz, his second of the season
