Shesterkin’s Injury Casts Uncertainty Over Rangers’ Goaltending

During the second period of the Rangers’ October 9, 2026 matchup with the Washington Capitals, goaltender Igor Shesterkin jam-jammed his right skate into the right post while scrambling back into his crease. The impact caused his right leg to bend awkwardly, and he remained on the ice for several minutes, receiving medical attention before being helped off by teammates. Shesterkin did not place any weight on the injured leg and left the game without returning. He had stopped 13 of 14 shots before exiting.

WATCH Video: NHL Star Igor Shesterkin Suffers Apparent Leg Injury During New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals UsNews and World ReportNew York PostNew York PostUSA TodayIgor Shesterkin Injury: Rangers Goalie Helped Off Ice Rangers G Shesterkin exits vs. Capitals with right leg injury Shesterkin helped off ice for Rangers with lower-body injury Capitals beat Rangers 3-1 as New York goaltender Igor Shesterkin is helped off the ice

The Capitals seized the momentum, with Boone Jenner scoring the go-ahead goal late in the second period and later adding an empty-netter to secure a 3-1 victory, snapping New York’s four-game winning streak. Backup Dylan Garand entered the contest, faced 12 shots, and recorded 11 saves, but the Rangers could not generate enough offense to overcome the deficit.

Capitals prevail after Rangers lose G Igor Shesterkin to injury

The injury deepened an already thin net-depth chart. Veteran backup Joonas Korpisalo is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue and was classified as “week-to-week” before the game. AHL-assigned Spencer Martin is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, leaving the Rangers with limited options. The organization has identified Callum Tung, a 22-year-old who has yet to make his NHL debut, as a potential emergency backup should Garand need further support.

Newsday

• Shesterkin entered the game with a 3-1 record, a 1.75 goals-against average (GAA) and a .926 save percentage (SV%) this season, according to the Rangers.

Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin helped off ice with lower-body injury

• In his first four starts, he posted a .926 SV% and a 1.75 GAA.

Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin helped off ice with lower-body injury

• Garand, recalled from Hartford, posted a 22-save shutout against Detroit and entered the Capitals game with a 1.31 GAA, .954 SV%, and one shutout in five career NHL appearances.

Shesterkin helped off ice for Rangers with lower-body injury

Coach Mike Sullivan described the situation as “concerning” and emphasized Shesterkin’s elite status and importance to the team. Captain J.T. Miller called the loss of their “pillar” “awful” and noted the need for the roster to step up. Defenseman Adam Fox said it was “not a good feeling” to see a teammate go down and expressed hope for a quick recovery. The organization has not released a medical diagnosis or timetable for Shesterkin’s return.

Shesterkin helped off ice for Rangers with lower-body injury

• “We're not going to let that take the wind out of our sails,” — T. Miller, rangers captain

UsNews and World Report

• “He's a big part of this team, without a doubt,” — Mike Sullivan, coach

ESPN

• “We’re not going to let [Igor’s injury] take the wind out of our sails,” — T. Miller, rangers captain

New York Post

• “You see arguably your very best player [go down], that’s a tough loss for our team,” — Mike Sullivan, coach

New York Post

The Rangers host the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. All eyes will be on the team’s medical staff for an update on Shesterkin’s condition and on Garand’s performance as the primary netminder in the interim.

New York Post