Cam Talbot knows exactly what Rangers’ Dylan Garand is going through — and has some advice

Former New York Rangers goaltender Cam Talbot offered advice to rookie Dylan Garand, who has been tasked with filling in following Igor Shesterkin's season-ending injury. Talbot drew parallels between Garand's situation and his own experience in the 2014-15 season, when he replaced an injured Henrik Lundqvist. Talbot advised the 24-year-old not to try to replace Shesterkin directly, but rather to focus on playing his own game.

Garand made 28 saves in a 1-0 loss to Talbot's Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday in his fourth start since Shesterkin's injury. With secondary option Joonas Korpisalo also sidelined on long-term injured reserve, Garand has an extended runway to audition for an NHL starting role. Talbot recalled how former goaltending coach Benoit Allaire helped him reset his own mindset during his successful 16-4-3 stretch in 2015, which eventually established his career as an NHL starter.