Three months ago when the NHL season began, I never would’ve thought we’d be weighing the pros and cons of playing Dylan Garand over Jonathan Quick in the middle of January. Yet that’s where we’re at with the New York Rangers these days.
The Rangers (20-22-6) are an absolute mess, and it’s only exacerbated by Igor Shesterkin’s absence from the lineup. They’ve lost four straight in regulation since their No. 1 goalie landed on IR with a lower-body injury, outscored by a whopping 27-10 margin. Approaching his 40th birthday, Quick’s lost his game at the wrong time, overplaying his position out of desperation, and appearing slow with both the glove-hand and blocker.