Kings Run James Reimer Out of the Net in Rangers Debut

The Los Angeles Kings wasted little time making life difficult for James Reimer, chasing the veteran goaltender from the game after just one period in his New York Rangers debut on Monday night.

Reimer gave up three goals on eight shots before the Rangers pulled him in favor of Dylan Garand. The Kings got to him early and never gave him much time to settle in.

Trevor Ward and Brandt Clarke scored on the first two shots Reimer faced. Drew Doughty added another goal to make it 3-0, putting New York in a tough spot before the first intermission. Erik Haula nearly made it worse, hitting the post with about 70 seconds left in the period.

For Los Angeles, it was a strong start against a Rangers team still trying to find answers in net.

New York signed Reimer on Sunday after he impressed with the Hartford Wolf Pack, the team’s AHL affiliate. He had stopped 35 shots in a shutout on Saturday, earning a quick call-up as the Rangers looked for help in goal.

The 38-year-old was brought in to give Garand a break after the rookie started seven straight games following Igor Shesterkin’s season-ending injury on Oct. 9. Instead, Reimer’s first night with the Rangers ended in what seemed like the blink of an eye. 

Garand entered the game for his ninth appearance in as many games. He had allowed five goals in each of his previous two starts, leaving New York short on options while Shesterkin remains on the shelf. 

This game marked Reimer’s 493rd career regular-season start. Last season, he joined the Ottawa Senators and helped them reach the playoffs, going 7-4-2 with a 2.42 goals-against average.

That experience did little to slow down the Kings on Monday. Los Angeles found openings early, got contributions from multiple players and forced New York to call an audible.