Rangers coach says Garand will bounce back after being pulled in 7‑1 loss to Devils

Coach Mike Sullivan defended Garand after the rookie was replaced by Spencer Martin in a 7‑1 loss to the New Jersey Devils.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:20:24 GMT

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan said rookie goaltender Dylan Garand will bounce back after being pulled in a 7‑1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night, according to the New York Post.

What happened

The Rangers fell 7‑1 to the Devils, with Garand allowing four goals on 14 shots, including two goals in a 31‑second span that prompted his removal for backup Spencer Martin. The Devils scored seven times, while the Rangers managed only 19 shots total, 12 of which came before Garand’s exit.

What the reports add

One Post article noted that the loss came after Garand had posted a 1.15 goals‑against average and a .951 save percentage in the 2026‑27 season, having won his first two starts after stepping in for injured starters Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo. The other article highlighted that the Rangers had generated just 19 shots in the game and that the team’s earlier success – including a shutout against the Red Wings on Oct. 3 and a 4‑1 win over the Lightning on Oct. 14 – had raised expectations for Garand’s role.

What was said

Mike Sullivan told the Post, “It’s not on Dylan. I think Dylan’s played pretty good for us. He’s played sound hockey… I know Dylan will bounce back. He’s a high‑character kid. He’s a competitive guy. He’s played really well for us to this point. I would expect him to respond the right way, just like our team.”

How it came about

Garand’s season began with a tumultuous start: he was cut at training camp, cleared waivers, spent time with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack, and was recalled after Joonas Korpisalo’s lower‑body injury. When Shesterkin’s season ended with a right‑knee injury, Garand became the starter and won his first two starts, including a 2‑0 shutout over Detroit on Oct. 3 (see earlier coverage) and a strong performance in a 4‑1 win over Tampa Bay on Oct. 14 (see earlier coverage). The Devils game marked his seventh start and the first loss of the season for the Rangers.

Key facts

Dylan Garand allowed four goals on 14 shots before being pulled in a 7‑1 loss to the Devils. (nypost.com)
Mike Sullivan said Garand will bounce back and praised his character. (nypost.com)
Garand entered the season with a 1.15 GAA and .951 save percentage after winning his first two starts. (nypost.com)