Goaltender Dylan Garand posted his first career shutout as the Rangers won their second consecutive game, defeating the Red Wings 2-0. Sean Durzi scored his first goal as a Ranger, and Eeeli Tolvanen added an empty net goal to pace the Rangers to their first road win of the year.

This won’t go down as a pretty win, but the Rangers found a way to grind out a victory in a close game, something they struggled with last season. In all they allowed only 22 shots on goal, with just two given up in the final twenty minutes as they closed out their third game in four nights.

A FITTING RESPONSE

It’s been a whirlwind week for the 24-year-old netminder. On Saturday he was placed on waivers after losing the “battle” for the backup position behind Igor Shesterkin. Fortunately for Chris Drury, he went unclaimed and was able to be reassigned to Hartford, though surely Winnipeg looked at the possibility before claiming Clay Stevenson from the Capitals.

Then on Thursday backup Joonas Korpisalo was placed on injury reserve as a result of a lower-body injury. How the netminder suffered the injury, and when it happened remains a mystery with coach Mike Sullivan sharing no additional information. Regardless of the circumstances, it reopened the door for Garand.

After Thursday’s 5-1 win over Tampa, it fell to Garand to man the net for last night’s game in Detroit. Just like the team in front of him, it wasn’t always pretty. Early on he appeared to be fighting the puck a little, and even saw a shot by Anton Johansson beat him and ring off the left post before somehow avoiding caroming off of him and into the net.

It started a period of around 15-20 minutes where the Rangers found themselves struggling to generate offense, with Detroit controlling much of the play after a slow start. Garand battled though, and as the game progressed, he seemed to settle down. His best save of the game probably came later in the second when he denied the Red Wings in close after a rush chance served up a deflected shot from in close to his right. The rookie netminder got his glove on it and kept the score at 1-0.

The Rangers made it easier on him in the third, helping him to earn his first career NHL shutout, making him the 45th Blueshirt netminder to record one for the franchise. It was just his fourth career game.

DURZI HAS A DOOZY

New York’s start to the game was dominant, with the team earning two early power plays. One of several new faces in the line up, it was defenseman Sean Durzi who would stamp his name on the early going with his first goal as a Ranger. Gabe Perreault setup the play by drawing two defenders and opening up the play to find a trailing Durzi who one-timed it from the high slot.

Minutes later and it looked like the Rangers had a 2-0 lead. Again on the power play, Durzi sent a similar shot toward the net that Oliver Bjorkstrand was able to deflect and beat Detroit netminder John Gibson. The Red Wings would challenge the play however and a review showed that the Rangers were offside…albeit barely.

Durzi would be thus denied a Gordie Howe hattrick, adding a fight later in the game when he and Marco Kaspar had an energetic battle following a scrum in front of the benches. Kaspar got the drop of the Ranger defender, but Durzi responded to even up the tilt.

DETROIT DISARRAY

Things might have been different if Detroit wasn’t going through their own turmoil. After the sudden departure of long-time GM Steve Yzerman over the Summer, the Red Wings have been thrown into disarray. It took until September 15th for them to announce that Shawn Horcroff would serve as interim GM, leaving the organization directionless.

Meanwhile their former captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade in the off-season and was made a healthy scratch last night. During introductions the team was compelled to include Larkin who was in attendance, but drew a lengthy chorus of boos from the hometown crowd.

They’re also without the services of RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who is back in Sweden training and awaiting a new contract.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Of course, the Rangers are well familiar with off-ice problems, having dealt with more than their fair share during Chris Drury’s tenure. This time though, it presented an opportunity and the Rangers took advantage and found a way to win even without bringing their best game.

It was both an important step in that regard, both for Garand and the team. For the goalie, it’s about using the opportunity to cement his position. For the team, it’s about finding ways to win close games after posting a 12-20-8 record in games decided by one goal that did not include shootouts or empty net goals.