What Happened
Dylan Garand earned his first career NHL shutout by turning aside 23 shots as the New York Rangers spoiled the Detroit Red Wings season opener with a 2-0 victory on Friday. Sean Durzi opened the scoring at 5:12 of the first period with a power-play goal from the high slot off a pass from Gabe Perreault. Eeli Tolvanen sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal with 1:16 left on the clock. Detroit goaltender John Gibson stopped 19 shots in the loss. The Red Wings played without injured former captain Dylan Larkin and unsigned restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson. Marco Kasper and Sean Durzi dropped the gloves for a fight midway through the second period.
Key Details
- Dylan Garand made 23 saves for his first NHL shutout.
- Sean Durzi scored a power-play goal and added a fight.
- Eeli Tolvanen scored an empty-net goal.
- John Gibson stopped 19 shots for Detroit.
- Dylan Larkin is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
What It Means
The Rangers played their third game of the young season and second of a back-to-back, having beaten Tampa Bay 5-1 the previous night. Meanwhile, Detroit opened their schedule facing internal distractions, as Larkin sits on injured reserve amid a trade request and Edvinsson remains unsigned in restricted free agency.
What's Next
The New York Rangers return home to host Utah on Sunday.