Dylan Garand posted his first career shutout while making 22 saves as the New York Rangers blanked the host Detroit Red Wings 2-0 on Friday.
Sean Durzi scored on a first-period power play and Eeli Tolvanen chipped in an empty-net goal to spoil Detroit’s season opener.
Garand was making his first start this season after going 2-0-1 in three appearances for the Rangers last season.
New York was playing the second game of a back-to-back and their third game overall. The Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 at home on Thursday.
John Gibson made 19 saves for the Red Wings, who were missing two of their top players.
Former captain and first-line center Dylan Larkin, who has requested a trade, was sidelined by an upper-body injury. Larkin was booed during pregame introductions and some fans chanted “Sell the team!” at various points of the contest.
Restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson, one of the team’s top defensemen, remains unsigned amid stalled negotiations.
The Rangers took the lead at 5:12 of the first period on a power play. With Nate Danielson in the penalty box, Gabe Perreault passed the puck from the right circle to the high slot, where Durzi ripped a one-timer past Gibson. Will Cuylle picked up the second assist.
Durzi had another apparent goal two minutes later wiped out by a Red Wings challenge for being offside. Detroit’s Anton Johansson banged a shot off the right post later in the period.
Garand stopped a J.T. Compher shot from point-blank range midway through the second period. Durzi and Marco Kasper then traded punches with 7:47 left in the period.
Tolvanen scored his second goal of the season with 1:16 remaining. Tye Kartye and Adam Fox collected the assists on the second goal. Detroit was limited to two shots on goal in the final period.
–Field Level Media
