Igor Shesterkin Sidelined for Season Following Right Knee Injury

Igor Shesterkin is out for the season after an awkward fall into his own net during Friday's game against the Washington Capitals.

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin will miss the remainder of the season due to a right knee injury sustained during Friday night's 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. The 30-year-old 2022 Vezina Trophy winner suffered the injury midway through the second period after jamming his right skate into the post while scrambling back to his crease. Shesterkin, who had to be helped off the ice by teammates, had stopped 13 of 14 shots at the time of his departure with the score tied 1-1.

Prior to the injury, Shesterkin held a 3-1 record this season with a 1.79 goals-against average. He recently became the first goaltender in Rangers history to score a goal, achieving the feat during the home opener against Tampa Bay. His absence follows a previous season where a month-long lower-body injury contributed to the team finishing last in the Eastern Conference.

Backup Dylan Garand replaced Shesterkin on Friday, making 11 saves on 12 shots. The 24-year-old Garand was recalled from Hartford of the AHL last week and previously recorded a 22-save shutout against Detroit. The Rangers' primary backup, Joonas Korpisalo, is currently on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and is considered week-to-week.

With the goaltending depth depleted, the organization may explore external options. While Jonathan Quick is currently the director of goaltender development and retired, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan that he could be a possibility if the team asked him to return to the ice. The loss to Washington snapped a four-game winning streak for New York.