NHL2 hours ago2 minute read

James Reimer pulled after one period in rough New York debut

James Reimer allowed three goals on eight shots in his first period with the Rangers before getting pulled against Los Angeles.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Short night in New York

James Reimer had a rough start to his time with the New York Rangers on Monday night. The 38 year old goaltender lasted just one period against the Los Angeles Kings after allowing three goals on eight shots.

Trevor Ward and Brandt Clarke scored on the first two shots Reimer faced. Drew Doughty added a third goal later in the period, and Erik Haula hit the post with 70 seconds remaining before intermission. Dylan Garand came in to replace Reimer for the second period.

Goaltending depth stretched thin

Reimer was brought in to give Garand a needed break. Garand had appeared in nine straight games and started seven in a row. He stepped into the primary role after starter Igor Shesterkin suffered a season ending injury on Oct. 9 at Washington. Backup Joonas Korpisalo is also listed as week to week with an injury.

Head coach Mike Sullivan noted the heavy workload on Garand before the game. Sullivan said the team was asking a lot of the goalie, noting the attention and focus required for the position.

Garand started strong after his call up, but he gave up five goals in each of his previous two starts. Those were losses at Toronto on Thursday and Ottawa on Saturday.

Quick turnaround from the AHL

Reimer made his 493rd career NHL regular season start on Monday. His league debut came back in 2010 with Toronto. Last season, he joined Ottawa in January and helped them reach the playoffs.

He signed a tryout deal with Hartford in the AHL on Oct. 15 and posted a 35 save shutout on Saturday night. The Rangers signed him on Sunday and put him straight into the net. Sullivan said discussions with goalie coaches led them to believe Reimer was ready to help.

The Rangers do not play again until Sunday.

What it means for the next game

Edmonton Oilers at New York Rangers (NHL, Sun, 01 Nov): New York Rangers win 44%, Edmonton Oilers win 56%; projected score New York Rangers 3, Edmonton Oilers 3. Our safest pick: Rangers +2.

St. Louis Blues at New York Rangers (NHL, Wed, 04 Nov): New York Rangers win 54%, St. Louis Blues win 46%; projected score New York Rangers 3, St. Louis Blues 3. Our safest pick: Over 4 goals.