What Happened
Sean Durzi scored 78 seconds in and Dylan Garand stopped 29 shots as the New York Rangers defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-2 on Monday night, improving to 6-0-0 at home this season. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, while J.T. Miller and Gabe Perreault added goals and Alexis Lafrenière picked up two assists. Anaheim, arriving after a 15-hour, delay-filled trip, did not score until the final 70 seconds.
Key Details
- Durzi's early goal marked the third straight home game in which the Rangers scored within the first two minutes.
- Garand made a fifth consecutive start with Igor Shesterkin out for the rest of the season.
- Garand has allowed two or fewer goals in nine of 10 NHL appearances since his debut last spring.
- The Ducks reached their hotel at 2:30 a.m. and skated less than nine hours later.
- Lukas Dostal is expected to start for Anaheim on Tuesday at the Islanders.
- The Rangers visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.
What It Means
The Rangers' 6-0-0 home start comes after they did not earn a sixth home win last season until Jan. 26, their 23rd game at Madison Square Garden. New York lost 27 of 41 at home while finishing last in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs. The early home form, with Garand filling in for Shesterkin, offers a contrast to that season.
What's Next
The Ducks continue their New York back-to-back set Tuesday at the Islanders, with Lukas Dostal expected to start. The Rangers play at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday.