Garand, Fortescue impress as Rangers open preseason against Devils

Young goaltender Dylan Garand stopped 28 of 31 shots over the full game, while defenseman Drew Fortescue scored in New York's preseason opener.

The New York Rangers opened their preseason schedule Monday against the New Jersey Devils with a lineup heavy on AHL players, and two of the organization's younger names stood out in the loss-minded audition setting.

Goaltender Dylan Garand, 24, played the entire game and stopped 28 of 31 shots. Three of the goals he allowed were described as difficult bounces, but the outing strengthened his case in what head coach Mike Sullivan called a healthy internal competition for the backup job. Garand appeared in three games with the Rangers late last season and made at least 25 saves in each of them. Sullivan did not rule out carrying three goaltenders to start the regular season.

Defenseman Drew Fortescue, 21, also made an impression. He scored a game-tying goal from the point past Devils goalie Nico Daws and logged more than 20 minutes of ice time with two shots on goal, two blocked shots and three hits, though he also took a penalty. Fortescue played nine NHL games last season but faces a crowded left side on the New York blue line.

Both players emphasized a workmanlike approach to camp. Garand said he is trying to block out outside noise and compete, while Fortescue said he believes he is good enough to play in the NHL, whether now or in the future.