Rangers' Igor Shesterkin rebounds with win against Red Wings after frustrating loss
Igor Shesterkin #31 of the Rangers looks on after surrendering a third period goal against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Igor Shesterkin, who was last seen at the Garden throwing his stick away in frustration as he exited the ice following the Rangers’ 5-1 loss Monday against Buffalo, bounced back with a solid effort Wednesday as he stopped 25 of 27 shots in the Rangers’ 3-2 win over Detroit.
He made several key saves in the third to keep it a one-goal game before the Rangers rallied at the Garden to win. There was no stick-throwing after the game this time. He is 9-4-0 this season.
“We all felt the same way,’’ Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said when asked at the optional morning skate whether he liked the show of emotion from his goaltender on Monday. “I think that when you’re winning hockey games, there’s got to be a hate-to-lose [attitude]. He hates losing and he was frustrated. We all were.’’
Fox returns, but Chytil still on LTIR
Defenseman Adam Fox was activated off long-term injured reserve and re-entered the lineup, but center Filip Chytil, who was injured in the same Nov. 2 game as Fox, remained on LTIR.
Fox was asked at the morning skate how Chytil is doing.
“It’s not for me to comment on Fil, but I assume he’s doing well, and he’s obviously a guy that we’d love to have back as well,’’ Fox said. “I was kind of progressing on my own terms. And he was on his own terms too.’’
With Fox back in the lineup, Zac Jones was scratched.
Kane skates at MSG
Former Ranger Patrick Kane was back at the Garden taking part in the morning skate with his new team, Detroit, with whom he signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract Tuesday. Kane, who had offseason hip surgery, did not dress for the Red Wings but told reporters that while he felt good, he hopes to be able to play within the next week to 10 days.
Milestone for Trouba
Rangers captain Jacob Trouba played in his 700th NHL game on Wednesday night. Trouba had a team-high five blocked shots, including two big blocks in the game’s final minute.
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
