Rangers Secure League's Top Goalie Tandem with Shesterkin and Garand
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After a disastrous 2025-26 campaign marred by injuries and poor net-play, New York has found stability in a high-performing duo.
The New York Rangers have established what is described as the best goaltender tandem in the NHL, featuring Igor Shesterkin and 24-year-old Dylan Garand, as Sports Illustrated first reported.
The development comes after a difficult 2025-26 season where the Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference. According to Sports Illustrated, the team struggled when Shesterkin faced injury, relying on Spencer Martin and Jonathan Quick. The pair combined for a 7-20-2 record over 31 appearances. Quick, who has since retired to join a front office role, posted a 3.09 goals-against average (GAA) and a .891 save percentage, while Martin struggled with a 4.13 GAA and a .863 save percentage.
Opportunity arrived for Garand after veteran Joonas Koprisalo was placed on IR early in the season. Garand has since made an immediate impact, recording his first career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Sports Illustrated reports that Garand holds a career save percentage of .958 through four games.
Data from Hockey Stats highlights the duo's efficiency. Shesterkin, regarded as the world's best goaltender, is tied for the fourth-best Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) in the league at 1.9, trailing only Jacob Markstrom of the Florida Panthers (2.3), Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins (2.6), and Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues (2.8). Garand ranks eighth in the NHL with a 1.5 GSAx despite having only one start. This depth provides the Rangers a significant advantage as they navigate an 84-game regular season.