Kent Johnson scored with 1:34 remaining in overtime as the Columbus Blue Jackets finally solved rookie goalie Dylan Garand and earned a 1-0 victory over the visiting New York Rangers on Saturday night.
After seeing his first three shots stopped by Garand and five other attempts blocked by the Rangers’ defense, Johnson scored for the third straight game by teaming up with Charlie Coyle and Zach Werenski for the game-winner.
As Columbus entered the offensive zone, Coyle moved past New York defenseman Sean Durzi near the right corner and spotted Werenski in the slot. Werenski quickly shifted the puck to Johnson, whose one-timer from above the right circle eluded Garand.
Johnson’s ninth career game-winner helped the Blue Jackets avoid a third straight loss after coach Rick Bowness described their effort in Tuesday’s 7-3 setback to the Florida Panthers as “embarrassing.”
Johnson scored after the Blue Jackets could not break the ice on a power play opportunity in the opening minutes of overtime. Garand kept the game scoreless with a windmill glove save on Sean Monahan with one second left in the man advantage.
Late in regulation, Garand made a diving skate save on Cole Sillinger and also denied Adam Fantilli, who recorded a team-high five shots.
He finished with 28 saves. Ranger 21-year-old winger Gabe Perreault led all players with six shots.
Garand’s big performance was not enough to prevent the Rangers from consecutive losses for the first time this season, though he was significantly better than in Thursday’s 7-1 loss in New Jersey when he was pulled after allowing four goals on 13 shots.
Columbus goalie Jet Graves made 29 saves for his fifth career shutout. He was flawless after allowing 11 goals in his first four appearances and made five saves on three New York power plays after permitting four power-play goals on Tuesday.