Igor Shesterkin leaves Rangers game vs. Capitals with scary-looking injury

In the opening game of the 2026-27 NHL season, the New York Rangers faced an early setback when their star goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, suffered a significant injury during a match against the Washington Capitals. The incident occurred midway through the second period, around the 8:20 mark, when Shesterkin attempted to regain his position after challenging a shooter, Pierre-Luc Dubois, on the right wing.

As he skated back toward his crease, Shesterkin's right leg collided painfully with the far post, causing his momentum to send him crashing into the post. The post did not yield, leaving Shesterkin to sustain an injury to his right leg. He immediately fell back into his net, writhing in pain, and was swiftly attended to by the team's trainer.

Rangers defensemen Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson assisted Shesterkin as he was guided to the bench, where further help was provided to transport him to the dressing room. Dylan Garand took over as the goaltender for the remainder of the game, which was tied at 1-1. Despite the promising start to their season, Shesterkin's injury posed a serious challenge for the Rangers.