New York Rangers remain positive after Igor Shesterkin's season-ending injury

Friday was a gut-wrenching day for New York Rangers fans as they watched star goalie Igor Shesterkin be helped off the ice midgame.

The next day was even more heartbreaking: it was announced that Shesterkin would miss the rest of the 2026-27 season with a serious right knee injury. Read more: New York Rangers remain positive after Igor Shesterkin's season-ending injury

A season-ending injury to a top player is always rough, but it is especially difficult for the Rangers, who suffered it just six games into the season.

However, the “No Quit in New York” slogan established during the 2021-22 season appears to remain true this season. The Rangers have shown resilience, going 2-0 following the news of Shesterkin’s long-term absence.

The injury

Shesterkin’s injury happened Friday in the second period of its game against Metropolitan rival, the Washington Capitals.

After 28 minutes and 20 seconds had passed, Shesterkin quickly slid back to his crease to defend the net during a Capitals power play. The blade of his right skate got jammed into the goalpost, bending his leg awkwardly and hyperextending his knee.

It was clear immediately that Shesterkin was in pain. It was even more evident when he could not get off the ice himself.

Rookie goaltender Dylan Garand subbed in for Shesterkin when the game was tied 1-1. He allowed the go-ahead goal to the Capitals, and the Rangers lost 3-1.

Upon the announcement that Shesterkin would miss the remainder of the season, it was revealed that he would get surgery on his right knee and need lengthy rehabilitation time.

The injury is the worst of Shesterkin’s career. Prior to it, the most time he ever spent away from the ice was 13 games this past season due to an injury to his left knee.

The effect of injuries differs from player to player, but past cases of goalies undergoing knee surgery suggest Shesterkin can still return as an elite defender.

The Carolina Hurricanes had a similar scenario in 2024-25 when Frederik Anderson had to undergo knee surgery after four games into the season but was able to return midseason. Anderson remained effective once he returned and won his first Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes this past season, recording three shutouts in the playoffs.

Anderson continues to struggle with his knee, though. He has yet to suit up with his new team, the Edmonton Oilers, this season after suffering another knee injury with the Hurricanes during the Stanley Cup championship series.

Hope is not lost

Prior to Shesterkin’s injury, the Rangers were 4-1 through the first five games of the season.

The hot start was beginning to solidify the Rangers as one of the best teams in the league this season.

While Shesterkin’s injury eventually led to a loss against the Capitals, the Rangers have remained positive in the aftermath.

Since the injury, the Rangers have gone 2-0 with Garand as the starting goalkeeper, picking up wins against the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning.

In his first start, Garand gave up goals in the first and second periods to the Canucks. Following the second goal, the Rangers scored four straight goals and won 6-2.

Against the Lightning, the Rangers started strong with two goals in the first period. While Garand also gave up a goal to the Lightning in the first period, he was perfect for the remainder of the game, and the Rangers won 4-1.

While the offense is certainly doing wonders for the Rangers this season, Garand has been effective with 44 saves through his first two starts.

Currently, 31-year-old Spencer Martin serves as the Rangers' backup goaltender and has yet to play this season. His career record is 25-33.

The Rangers also traded for Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo this offseason and are likely to have him available next month when he returns from a lower-body injury. Should Garand struggle, Korpisalo has the resume to take the starting job with a 140-126 career record and a 14-9 record this past season.

The unlikely bounce back

The Rangers had its worst season in recent memory in 2025-26, going 34-39-9. New York was the league's Presidents' Trophy winner and competed for the Eastern Conference Championship the season before.

A lot has changed since the 2024-25 season. Big names such as Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Chris Kreider were all traded away this past season, seemingly putting the Rangers in rebuild mode.

The Rangers made a few moves in the offseason, including the acquisitions of right winger Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights, defender Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks, and defender Sean Durzi from the Utah Mammoth.

These players have had an impact on the Rangers' success so far, but veteran left winger and former No. 1 overall draft selection Alexis Lafrenière has been the biggest difference-maker for the Rangers this season.

Lafrenière is currently second in the league in goals scored this season with seven. He leads the Rangers in points with 10.

Over the years, Lafrenière has been in the conversation of being a bust due to not being the high-caliber scorer he was expected to be as a former No. 1 overall draft selection.

However, it appears Lafrenière was never given a proper opportunity through his first six seasons. Now, many believe the 25-year-old is finally hitting his prime.

In addition to Lafrenière, other veterans have stepped up this season. Center Mika Zibanejad, left winger J.T. Miller, and defenseman Adam Fox have all individually been responsible for 6+ points this season.

Second-year right winger Gabe Perrault and fourth-year left winger Will Cuylle both have three goals apiece as well.

Where the Rangers stand

Currently, the Rangers sit in second in the Metropolitan Division standings with a 6-2 record. Additionally, it has the second-best record of the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers are tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for the second-best record in the NHL. The Carolina Hurricanes lead the Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference, and NHL with a 6-1-1 record. The Rangers are just one point behind the Hurricanes in the standings.

New York begins a two-game road stretch Thursday when it travels to face the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. It will then face the Columbus Blue Jackets for the last game of the stretch Saturday.

The remainder of the Rangers' schedule in October includes:

• Anaheim Ducks vs. New York Rangers – October 19
• New York Rangers @ Toronto Maple Leafs – October 22
• New York Rangers @ Ottawa Senators – October 24
• Los Angeles Kings vs. New York Rangers – October 26

It’s truly tough to imagine the Rangers remaining 76 games without Igor Shesterkin. However, Rangers fans should remain positive, as it has proven that there is plenty of reason to have faith in the road ahead.

Related: Crosby scores twice, but Penguins fall 5-3 to Blackhawks