Story perspectives

Shesterkin Scores as Rangers Crush Lightning 5-1

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 2:13 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Shesterkin Scores Goal

Igor Shesterkin scored an empty-net goal, giving Rangers a 5-1 win over Tampa Bay.
The goal at 17:26 of the third period extended the lead to five-one.
He stopped 24 of 25 shots for a .936 save percentage.
He became the Rangers’ first goalie scorer and the NHL’s 18th goalie to score.
He recorded his 100th Madison Square Garden victory, the fourth-fastest Ranger to reach that milestone.

Summary

Rangers Lean On Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin is the only member of the Rangers’ 2014 draft class to record an NHL goal.
The other 2014 draftees—Halverson, Iverson, Mantha, Nejezchleb, Walcott and Nanne—peaked in the AHL.
Backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, sidelined until at least October 9.
With Korpisalo’s $4,000,000 cap hit and Shesterkin’s $11,567,857 salary, the Rangers may rely heavily on Shesterkin.

History

Historical Context

The first NHL goalie to score by shooting, Ron Hextall, did so on Dec 8 1987 for the Flyers against Boston, breaking a pattern that began with Billy Smith’s credited own-goal in 1979 and earlier 1900s goalie rushes. Since then only 18 goalies have netted 21 goals, most recently Igor Shesterkin on Oct 1 2026, highlighting the rarity of empty-net attempts under Rule 27’s 1966-67 restrictions.

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Shesterkin Scores Goal

Igor Shesterkin scored an empty-net goal, giving Rangers a 5-1 win over Tampa Bay.
The goal at 17:26 of the third period extended the lead to five-one.
He stopped 24 of 25 shots for a .936 save percentage.
He became the Rangers’ first goalie scorer and the NHL’s 18th goalie to score.
He recorded his 100th Madison Square Garden victory, the fourth-fastest Ranger to reach that milestone.

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