He skated off the ice he always wanted to touch, a 40-year-old father of three still living the dream of the kid from Connecticut.
If this was goodbye, Jonathan Quick left Madison Square Garden with a game to remember in a season to forget, with a reminder that no American goaltender has ever done it better.
In what could have been Quick’s final start with the Rangers — and perhaps his storied career — the former Conn Smythe winner made 31 saves, stopping every shot until the final minute of Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Red Wings.
Quick does not know — or will not say — whether the 410th victory of his career could be his last.
“We’ve got five games left and I just want to enjoy the ride here the rest of the way,” said Quick, whose contract expires after this season. “I’ll figure that out when it’s time.”’
Goaltender Jonathan Quick of the New York Rangers defends the net during the second period at Madison Square Garden, Saturday April 4th, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Quick was making his first start since allowing six goals against the Devils on March 18 — and just his fourth start since Feb. 5 — looking to salvage 60 minutes of a disappointing season in which he’d gone 5-16-2 with a 3.19 goals against average and .889 save percentage.
During his recent absence with an upper-body injury, rookie Dylan Garand stated his case to replace Quick as the backup next season, making a pair of impressive performances in his first two career starts.
But head coach Mike Sullivan wanted to see the three-time Stanley Cup winner take the ice at least one more time.
“It’s all about what he means to this team and what he’s accomplished in this league,” Sullivan said. “I believe he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer … His teammates have so much respect for him. What he represents in how he goes about his business every day is inspiring for all of us. His work ethic is second to none. He has such a passion for the game. He just loves hockey. He loves being on the ice. He loves competing.”
Right wing Gabe Perreault #94 of the New York Rangers celebrates with left wing Alexis Lafrenière #13 of the New York Rangers after he scores a goal during the second period at Madison Square Garden, Saturday April 4th, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Quick’s throwback performance allowed the Rangers to earn their fourth win in five games.
In the first period, Quick denied Emmitt Finnie on a breakaway and stopped Travis Hamonic’s shot off the rebound. When Will Borgen put the Rangers defense on its heels after committing a turnover, Quick made a vintage split save to block David Perron’s snap shot in front, sparking chants of “Quickie.”
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The Rangers goaltender turned away every chance on four Red Wings power plays, including a 6-on-4 stretch late in the third period, when Quick stood tall, and sprawled on his stomach, scrambling for pucks as if a postseason berth was at stake.
But finally, with 33 seconds remaining, Perron put Detroit on the board, denying Quick his 66th career shutout.
“He’s one of the best to ever to do it,” captain J.T. Miller said. “He played unbelievable today. He looked like he was 20 again.”
He left as he should be remembered.