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Igor Shesterkin Scores First Goal in Rangers History
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Historic Goal in Home Opener
In the New York Rangers’ home opener at Madison Square Garden, goaltender Igor Shesterkin lofted the puck the length of the ice into an empty net with 2:34 remaining, sealing a 5–1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The shot made Shesterkin the 18th goaltender in NHL history to record a goal and the first Rangers goalie ever to do so.
Background & Context
The Rangers entered the game after a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins on opening night. A year earlier they had failed to score in any of their first three home games, becoming the first team ever to be shut out in each of those starts. The early power-play goal by Mika Zibanejad less than six minutes in helped reverse that trend and set the tone for a dominant performance.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Rangers 5, Lightning 1.
- Shesterkin stopped 24 of 25 shots faced.
- The goal was the 21st by a goaltender when playoff goals are included.
- The Rangers recorded four goals on 24 shots against Lightning starter Andrei Vasilevskiy.
- The win gave New York its first victory of the 2026-27 season and tied Shesterkin with Zibanejad, Gabe Perreault, Pavel Dorofeyev and Eeli Tolvanen for the team lead in goals after two games.
Official Statements & Responses
Lightning coach Jon Cooper pulled Vasilevskiy for an extra attacker, creating the empty-net situation that enabled Shesterkin’s attempt. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan praised the moment, noting the emotional impact on the bench and highlighting Shesterkin’s puck-handling as a key strength. Former Rangers star Henrik Lundqvist posted on social media that the feat was “just a matter of time.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn't see the puck go across the line,” — Igor Shesterkin
- “With the amount of chances he's had to do that, and now finally get it, that was great.” — Coach Mike Sullivan
- “It was a long time in my head,” — Igor Shesterkin
- “He’s not just a great goalie — he’s a great goal-scorer right now,” — Pavel Dorofeyev
- “Obviously one of his strengths is his ability to handle the puck,” — Mike Sullivan, coach
Why It Matters
Scoring a goal is a rarity for any NHL goaltender; Shesterkin’s achievement places him among a select group of 18 goalies ever to do so. The goal also marked a symbolic turnaround for a franchise that had endured a historically poor start to the previous season’s home schedule. The celebratory response—from teammates flooding the bench to chants of “Igor! Igor!” from the 18,006 fans in attendance—underscored the morale boost for a team seeking to shed last year’s struggles.
What’s Next
With backup netminder Joonas Korpisalo sidelined by injury, the Rangers are expected to start Dylan Garand in the upcoming road game against the Detroit Red Wings. The team will look to build on the momentum generated by Shesterkin’s historic night.