What Happened
Boone Jenner's second-period wrist shot stood as the winner in the Washington Capitals' 3-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday night. Tom Wilson and Timothy Liljegren also scored, and Logan Thompson stopped 21 shots. The game was overshadowed when Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin was helped off the ice midway through the second period. He fell awkwardly into his own net after catching his skate on the post while scrambling back into the crease.
Key Details
- Jenner's goal came with 2:22 remaining in the second period, putting Washington ahead 2-1
- Shesterkin stopped 13 shots before leaving; Dylan Garand made 11 saves in relief
- Shesterkin lay on the ice holding his right knee and did not put weight on that leg while being helped off
- Alexis Lafreniere scored the Rangers' only goal
- Shesterkin, 30, won the 2022 Vezina Trophy and missed a month last season with a lower-body injury
What It Means
Shesterkin's exit is the central concern for New York, which already knows how much his absence can cost after he missed a month last season while the team fell short of the playoffs. Dylan Garand finished the game in relief, and the Rangers' goaltending depth will be tested if Shesterkin misses time. Washington, meanwhile, got a balanced scoring night and a 21-save outing from Logan Thompson.
What's Next
The Rangers host the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, with Shesterkin's status to be determined. No update on the severity of his injury has been announced.