New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin was forced to leave Friday night's game against the Washington Capitals after an awkward fall into his own net, according to ESPN. The 30-year-old Russian, who won the 2022 Vezina Trophy, required assistance to get off the ice at Capital One Arena.
The injury occurred during the second period of the contest. Shesterkin, a cornerstone of the Rangers' defense and one of the league's premier netminders, was visibly unable to skate off under his own power following the incident.
Further details regarding the severity of the injury and Shesterkin's expected recovery timeline were not immediately available. The Rangers have not yet issued an official update on his condition.
Shesterkin's absence would represent a significant blow to New York's goaltending corps. The 2022 Vezina Trophy recipient has consistently ranked among the NHL's top goaltenders since entering the league, and any extended absence would force the Rangers to rely on their backup options during a critical stretch of the season.
The Rangers were facing the Capitals on the road at Capital One Arena in Washington. The team's medical staff attended to Shesterkin immediately after the fall, and he was escorted from the playing surface.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
