In a thrilling showdown, Gabriel Vilardi matched his career high with his 27th goal of the season and clinched the game in a shootout, helping the Winnipeg Jets snap a three-game skid with a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Sunday.
Vilardi, alongside Kyle Connor, delivered in the shootout, dampening the NHL debut of Rangers' promising goaltender Dylan Garand. The 23-year-old Garand was a standout, stopping 35 of 37 shots during regulation and overtime, showcasing his potential as a future star.
One of Garand's most impressive saves came in the second period, thwarting Connor on a shorthanded 2-on-0 breakaway. He caught a break moments later when Cole Perfetti's close-range shot rang off the crossbar.
Captain Adam Lowry found the back of the net with a slick tic-tac-toe play, ending his scoring drought that stretched back 25 games to January 13. It was a goal that Garand had little chance to stop, highlighting Lowry's determination.
Jets' backup goalie Eric Comrie also stepped up, making 27 saves during regulation and overtime, and adding two more crucial stops in the shootout.
Despite Garand's valiant efforts and a power-play goal from Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers fell short, marking their 24th home loss in 33 games. Zibanejad, playing in his 999th NHL regular-season game, hit the 30-goal milestone for the first time since the 2022-23 season, tying Adam Graves for fourth in franchise history with 280 goals.
Tye Kartye, a recent addition from Seattle, also scored for the Rangers, who are struggling with a four-game losing streak and sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Looking ahead, the Jets will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night, while the Rangers expect Igor Shesterkin to start against the Ottawa Senators on Monday.