Rangers Rout Blackhawks 6-1 for Garand's First NHL Win

Rookie goalie Dylan Garand makes 27 saves as New York snaps six-game skid

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:28pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the fast-paced action of a hockey game, with players' forms blending into the vibrant brushstrokes.The Rangers' offensive outburst and Garand's stellar goaltending performance ignite the team's hopes for a turnaround after a difficult stretch.NYC Today

The New York Rangers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 on Friday night, with rookie goaltender Dylan Garand earning his first NHL win by making 27 saves. Jonny Brodzinski scored twice, Adam Sykora netted his first career goal, and J.T. Miller, Matthew Robertson, and Alexis Lafreniere also found the back of the net for the Rangers, who snapped a six-game losing streak. Chicago's lone goal came from Nick Lardis late in the first period.

Why it matters

The win was a much-needed boost for the Rangers, who have struggled at home this season. Garand's strong performance in net provides hope for the team's future, while the offensive outburst from several young players like Sykora and Robertson suggests the Rangers' rebuild is progressing.

The details

The Rangers jumped out to a 2-1 lead after the first period, with Lardis scoring for Chicago before Miller tied it up less than a minute later. Sykora then netted his first NHL goal in the second period, and Brodzinski scored twice to give New York a comfortable lead. The victory was just the Rangers' fifth home win in regulation this season.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 19, 2026.
  • Lardis scored Chicago's lone goal late in the first period.
  • Sykora scored his first NHL goal in the second period.
  • Brodzinski scored his two goals in the second and third periods.

The players

Dylan Garand

The 23-year-old rookie goaltender made 27 saves to earn his first NHL win.

Jonny Brodzinski

The Rangers forward scored two goals in the game.

Adam Sykora

The 21-year-old Rangers forward scored his first NHL goal in the game.

Nick Lardis

The Blackhawks forward scored his team's lone goal in the game.

J.T. Miller

The Rangers forward scored one of the team's six goals.

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What they’re saying

“It's always special to get that first NHL win. The guys played great in front of me and made my job a lot easier.”

— Dylan Garand, Rangers Goaltender

“We needed a game like this to get back on track. It was great to see the young guys step up and contribute.”

— Jonny Brodzinski, Rangers Forward

What’s next

The Rangers will host the Florida Panthers on Sunday, April 21, 2026, while the Blackhawks will visit the New Jersey Devils on the same day.

The takeaway

Garand's strong debut in net and the offensive production from the Rangers' young players suggest the team's rebuild is progressing, providing hope for the future despite their struggles at home this season.