Rangers’ Depth Finishes the Job Behind Garand
The story wasn’t star power — it was how Rangers depth cashed the best looks while Dylan Garand gave them exactly what they needed in net. New York created the better chances all night; by expected goals — a read on how many goals the chances were worth — the Rangers were at 3.92 to Vancouver’s 2.04.
That edge showed up despite shot attempts being dead even (54–54). Tye Kartye and Will Cuylle each scored twice, and the supporting cast drove the payoff: Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault both had a goal and an assist, while Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller stacked two helpers apiece.
The box score hides how dangerous Canucks looks were. They hit iron five times — Brendan Gallagher dinged two himself — which kept real chances off the board. At the other end, Kevin Lankinen stopped 19 of 25 and finished at -2.08 goals saved above expected — a measure of how many more or fewer a goalie stops than average — a night that didn’t match the quality in front of him.
Bottom line: New York stays perfect at Madison Square Garden and shows off real forward depth; Vancouver needs a steadier net and a little puck luck to turn good looks into goals.
