The Rangers’ strong start took a sharp turn Friday night when Igor Shesterkin left early with an apparent leg injury in the matchup against the Washington Capitals.
New York entered the game at 4-1 through its first five contests, and Shesterkin had been a big part of that opening run. He was also playing well in this one before the injury changed everything.
The trouble came at about the midway point of the second period, when Shesterkin scrambled back toward the net and jammed his skate into the post, apparently hurting his leg. He dropped down in the crease immediately and was slamming his pad on the ice in pain.
After staying down for quite a while, he was eventually helped to his feet by a couple of teammates. But he was not able to put any weight on his right leg as he came off the ice with help, and the Rangers were left waiting to learn the extent of the injury.
Dylan Garand took over in goal after Shesterkin exited. Joonas Korpisalo is still out, which made Garand the next man up for New York.
Garand has already shown he can handle the moment. In his only start of the season, he posted a shutout against the Detroit Red Wings on the road.
If Shesterkin has to miss time, Garand could be in line for a much larger role. He cleared waivers to begin the season, and Korpisalo’s injury led to him being called back up. With Shesterkin leaving the game in obvious pain, Garand may now be headed into a starting stretch.
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Rangers Suddenly Face A Brutal Igor Shesterkin Question
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The Rangers are still waiting on a clearer update on Shesterkin, and the timing could hardly be worse with their goaltending chart already thinned by other injuries. If he is unable to dress Sunday, the club may be pushed even further down the depth chart as it tries to piece together a workable plan in goal. [Read more 🡒]
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Rangers Affiliate Is Building Early Momentum Behind An Intriguing Goalie Start
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Callum Tung was a big part of that start, turning aside 28 shots to give the Rangers affiliate a strong performance in net at a time when every point in the standings can help shape an October runway. Hartford now turns toward its home opener against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Oct. 10, carrying some real early momentum into a building that will want to see whether this opening burst can hold. [Read more 🡒]