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The New York Rangers endured a forgettable 2025-26 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. A major factor in their struggles was inconsistent goaltending. Igor Shesterkin's injury issues forced the team to lean heavily on Jonathan Quick and Spencer Martin, who combined for a 7-20-2 record in 31 appearances (28 starts). Quick, who retired after the season and transitioned to a front-office role, posted an .891 save percentage and a 3.09 goals-against average. Martin fared even worse, recording an .863 save percentage and a 4.13 GAA.
Amid the adversity, the Rangers discovered a bright spot in Dylan Garand. Although he showed promise in limited opportunities, he initially lost the backup job to veteran Joonas Korpisalo, who surprisingly landed on injured reserve just days into the season. That opened the door for Garand to make another impression, and he has seized the opportunity, forming with Shesterkin what is now considered the best goaltending duo in the NHL.
In his 2026-27 debut, the 24-year-old Garand recorded his first career shutout, a 2-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, stopping all 22 shots he faced. Through four games, he boasts a career save percentage of .958. According to Hockey Stats, Garand's 1.5 Goals Saved Above Expected ranks eighth in the league despite only one start this season. One of the goalies ahead of him is his teammate, Shesterkin, widely regarded as the best goaltender in the world. Shesterkin's 1.9 GSAx is tied for fourth-best in the NHL, trailing only Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues (2.8), Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins (2.6), and Jacob Markstrom of the Florida Panthers (2.3), while Logan Thompson of the Washington Capitals also sits at 1.9.
Some teams lack even one goalie with a positive GSAx, let alone two. This gives the Rangers a substantial edge, as they appear to have the kind of tandem that can propel them to success over an 84-game regular season.
Key Analysis
The Rangers' goaltending depth, led by Shesterkin and Garand, provides a critical advantage in the grueling NHL season. With both netminders performing at an elite level, New York is well-positioned to contend.