Igor Shesterkin just handed the Rangers their most electric home win of the season — and he did it with his fists, not just his glove. The Rangers beat the Devils 4-1, avoiding a historic winless season sweep against both tristate rivals, thanks to Shesterkin dropping the gloves with Jacob Markstrom in a rare goalie brawl that sent MSG into a frenzy.
Bonus: Mika Zibanejad won the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award for the third time, joining an elite group of Rangers who've earned the fan-voted honor at least three times. But the night belonged to Shesterkin — gloves off, pride restored.
Captain J.T. Miller (who scored to make it 2-0 in the first) summed it up: "We needed that. There hasn't been a lot to cheer about early this year. To have a moment like that, it's really special." The Rangers are now 12-home wins on the season — still dismal, but at least they avoided the sweep.
Shesterkin's Season: Year one of his 8-year, $92M contract has been rough, but coach Mike Sullivan called him "the foundation" and compared him to Henrik Lundqvist. "He reminds me a lot of Hank. He was a fierce competitor, and his practice habits were off the charts. I've watched the same thing with Shesty."
Why It Mattered: This was a pride game. The Rangers were 0-6 against the Devils and Islanders heading in — one loss away from a historic winless season against both rivals. They've never gone completely winless against both in a single year. The 4-1 win saved them from that dubious record.
The Garden hit decibel levels not heard all season. Shesterkin won the scrap (if we're judging MMA-style) and made 22 saves for his 23rd win. It was the first Rangers goalie fight since Dan Cloutier in 1998 — 28 years ago. "I'd like to thank my boxing coach," Shesterkin joked post-game with a grin.
The Fight: Devils forward Paul Cotter crashed into Shesterkin in the third period. Markstrom skated down to confront him. Shesterkin calmly removed his gloves and went blow-for-blow with the Devils goalie. "I was just like, 'Ooh, how huge he is,'" Shesterkin said afterward. "I just don't want to get knocked out."
1/7 🧵
Igor Shesterkin just handed the Rangers their most electric home win of the season — and he did it with his fists, not just his glove. The Rangers beat the Devils 4-1, avoiding a historic winless season sweep against both tristate rivals, thanks to Shesterkin dropping the gloves with Jacob Markstrom in a rare goalie brawl that sent MSG into a frenzy.
7/7 🧵
Bonus: Mika Zibanejad won the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award for the third time, joining an elite group of Rangers who've earned the fan-voted honor at least three times. But the night belonged to Shesterkin — gloves off, pride restored.
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6/7 🧵
Captain J.T. Miller (who scored to make it 2-0 in the first) summed it up: "We needed that. There hasn't been a lot to cheer about early this year. To have a moment like that, it's really special." The Rangers are now 12-home wins on the season — still dismal, but at least they avoided the sweep.
5/7 🧵
Shesterkin's Season: Year one of his 8-year, $92M contract has been rough, but coach Mike Sullivan called him "the foundation" and compared him to Henrik Lundqvist. "He reminds me a lot of Hank. He was a fierce competitor, and his practice habits were off the charts. I've watched the same thing with Shesty."
4/7 🧵
Why It Mattered: This was a pride game. The Rangers were 0-6 against the Devils and Islanders heading in — one loss away from a historic winless season against both rivals. They've never gone completely winless against both in a single year. The 4-1 win saved them from that dubious record.
3/7 🧵
The Garden hit decibel levels not heard all season. Shesterkin won the scrap (if we're judging MMA-style) and made 22 saves for his 23rd win. It was the first Rangers goalie fight since Dan Cloutier in 1998 — 28 years ago. "I'd like to thank my boxing coach," Shesterkin joked post-game with a grin.
2/7 🧵
The Fight: Devils forward Paul Cotter crashed into Shesterkin in the third period. Markstrom skated down to confront him. Shesterkin calmly removed his gloves and went blow-for-blow with the Devils goalie. "I was just like, 'Ooh, how huge he is,'" Shesterkin said afterward. "I just don't want to get knocked out."