Rangers Goalie Igor Shesterkin Ruled Out vs. Capitals With Right Leg Injury
Igor Shesterkin was helped off the ice in the second period in Washington and did not return, but the Rangers have not yet said how serious the injury is.
Igor Shesterkin's night ended early in Washington. The New York Rangers goalie was helped off the ice with an apparent right leg injury against the Capitals, and the team confirmed he would not come back.
What happened
According to NHL.com, the incident came at 8:20 of the second period with Washington on a power play. Shesterkin scrambled back toward his net and appeared to jam his right skate into the right post. His leg then seemed to bend awkwardly under him as he fell in the crease.
Sportsnet reported that he had come out of his crease to deter a scoring chance. He slid too far as he retreated and hit the post. He was in visible pain and hit the ice several times with his blocker hand after the play was blown dead.
He stayed down while the Rangers' training staff attended to him. He then left without putting any weight on the leg. Sportsnet said teammates Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson assisted him, and NHL.com said he also had to be helped down the tunnel to the locker room.
Is Shesterkin coming back?
Not in this game. The Rangers announced he would not return with what Sportsnet described as a lower-body injury. TSN reported the team ruled him out officially after the start of the third period.
None of the sources say what the injury is, how long he could be out or whether he will have tests. Until the Rangers give an update, his status beyond Friday is unknown.
The numbers
Shesterkin stopped 13 of the 14 shots he faced before he left. Dylan Garand took over in net. Sportsnet noted the Rangers were already without backup Jonas Korpisalo, who is injured.
The 30-year-old had started the season strongly. In four earlier starts he was 3-1-0 with a 1.75 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. He also scored his first NHL goal in a 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 1.
He won the Vezina Trophy in 2021-22 and is a two-time All-Star. TSN reports he is in the second season of an eight-year, $92.475 million contract with an average annual value of $11.5 million.
What happens next
The key thing to watch is a Rangers update on the injury, which none of the sources include yet. With Korpisalo also hurt, Garand is the goalie the sources identify as stepping into the crease. Fans should wait for the team's official word on Shesterkin before assuming anything about his availability for upcoming games.
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Quick answers
Did Shesterkin return to the game against the Capitals?
No. The Rangers said he would not return, and TSN reported he was officially ruled out after the third period began.
Who replaced Shesterkin in net?
Dylan Garand came in for the Rangers. Backup Jonas Korpisalo is already injured, according to Sportsnet.
How did Shesterkin get hurt?
He appeared to jam his right skate or leg into the post while scrambling back into his crease, then fell awkwardly, according to NHL.com and Sportsnet.
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