WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin had to be helped off the ice after an awkward fall into his own net against the Washington Capitals on Friday night.
Shesterkin came well out of his crease to challenge a shooter and fell as he scrambled back to the net midway through the second period. The 30-year-old Russian caught his skate on the post as he slid back into the crease and collapsed into the net.
Shesterkin lay on the ice for
several minutes holding his right knee as he received medical attention. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the ice by teammates.
The Rangers didn't provide any specific details about Shesterkin's condition.
"It's concerning, obviously," Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after a 3-1 loss to the Caps. “He's an elite goaltender and you never want to see anyone get hurt. Obviously, he's an important player for us.”
The 2022 Vezina Trophy winner missed a month last season with a lower-body injury, contributing to the Rangers finishing last in the Eastern Conference.
Shesterkin was off to a strong start this season with a 3-1 record and 1.76 goals-against average. Last week, he became the first Rangers goalie to score a goal when he lofted the puck the length of the ice into an empty net late in New York’s home opener against Tampa Bay.
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