Rangers Goalie Igor Shesterkin Helped Off Ice With Apparent Leg Injury in Loss to Capitals

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin left Friday night’s game against the Washington Capitals after appearing to injure his lower body during a net-mouth scramble, and he did not return.

The Rangers entered the night atop the Eastern Conference standings, buoyed in part by Shesterkin’s strong play. The 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner carried a 3-1 record this season, a .926 save percentage and a 1.75 goals-against average. He had also scored a goal earlier in the year, on Oct. 1.

With the score tied 1-1 in the second period, Shesterkin slid across the crease during a scramble in front of the net and appeared to jam his right leg awkwardly against the goal post. He was in visible pain and had to be helped off the ice by teammates, unable to put weight on the leg. The team later confirmed he would not return to the game.

Dylan Garand, who had just four NHL games of experience, took over in net. He played well in relief, but Boone Jenner scored late in the second period on a goal that proved to be the game-winner for Washington.

The injury has drawn attention beyond hockey circles, as it follows a string of setbacks for New York sports stars, including Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, prompting speculation on social media about whether the city’s teams are facing a run of bad luck since the Knicks won their NBA title.

The Rangers have not yet released further details on the severity of Shesterkin’s injury or a timeline for his return.