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Igor Shesterkin delivered a historic performance Thursday night, scoring the first goalie goal in New York Rangers history during a dominant 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden.
The Rangers goaltender capped the scoring with an unassisted empty-net goal at 17:26 of the third period. The milestone made Shesterkin the 18th goalie in NHL history to score, while his goal became the league’s 21st goalie goal overall.
“I told everyone I would keep trying to score and I did,” Shesterkin said after the game.
Historic Igor Shesterkin Goal Completes Rangers’ Rout
Shesterkin’s goal was the memorable finale to an impressive all-around performance. He stopped 24 shots, helping New York secure its first win of the 2026-27 season after opening the campaign with a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins in Boston.
The Rangers also showed significant improvement on special teams. New York went 7-for-7 on the penalty kill and converted once on two power-play opportunities, keeping Tampa Bay from building any momentum.
Igor Shesterkin became the first goaltender to score for the Rangers, adding another remarkable chapter to his career with the franchise. His achievement also created a special moment for the home crowd, which watched a rare piece of NHL history unfold in the team’s home opener.
Rangers Build Early Lead Against Tampa Bay
Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring at 5:34 of the first period with a power-play goal. Pavel Dorofeyev’s shot from the right face-off circle struck the crossbar and bounced toward Zibanejad, who quickly fired the puck into the net.
The goal was especially significant for New York after last season’s difficult start at home. The Rangers were shut out in their first three home games and in five of their first seven, finishing that stretch with a 0-6-1 record. This time, they found the net early and continued attacking.
Dorofeyev doubled the advantage at 10:51 of the opening period, scoring his first goal with New York on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle. Oliver Bjorkstrand set up the play with a sharp pass.
The Rangers acquired Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights on June 26 and later signed him to a seven-year contract worth $77 million, carrying an $11 million average annual value. He led Vegas with 37 goals last season, and his first New York goal offered an early glimpse of what the Rangers expect from him.
New York Maintains Control in Second Period
Eeli Tolvanen extended the Rangers’ lead to 3-0 just 1:40 into the second period. He carried the puck off the right-wing wall and sent it toward the slot for Will Cuylle. The puck never reached Cuylle, instead deflecting off Tampa Bay defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous’ right leg and into the net.
The Lightning finally answered at 7:59 when Nikita Kucherov scored on a backhanded pass that went into the net off Noah Laba. The goal cut Tampa Bay’s deficit to two, but New York responded before the period ended.
Gabe Perreault restored the Rangers’ three-goal advantage at 16:01. His redirection went off his stick and skate, giving New York a 4-1 lead heading into the final period.
What Igor Shesterkin’s Goal Means for New York
Although goalie goals remain extremely rare, Shesterkin has shown interest in attempting the play throughout his career. His willingness to make the effort finally paid off in front of the Rangers’ home fans, turning an already convincing win into an unforgettable night.
- Shesterkin made 24 saves and scored once.
- He became the first Rangers goalie to score.
- His goal was the 21st goalie goal in NHL history.
- New York finished perfect on seven penalty-kill opportunities.
- The Rangers improved to 1-1-0, while Tampa Bay fell to 0-1-0.
Andrei Vasilevskiy made 20 saves for Tampa Bay, while Kucherov provided the Lightning’s only goal. The loss marked a disappointing season opener for Tampa Bay, particularly after the team struggled to contain New York’s pressure and transition game.
For the Rangers, the 5-1 result represents more than just an early-season victory. It was a confidence-building performance featuring strong special teams, scoring from multiple lines and a historic contribution from their franchise goaltender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Igor Shesterkin score a goal?
Yes. Igor Shesterkin scored an unassisted empty-net goal at 17:26 of the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Was Shesterkin the first Rangers goalie to score?
Yes. Shesterkin became the first goaltender in New York Rangers history to score an NHL goal.
How many goalies have scored in NHL history?
Shesterkin became the 18th goalie to score, and his goal was the 21st goalie goal in NHL history.
What was the final score between the Rangers and Lightning?
The New York Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-1 in the Rangers’ home opener at Madison Square Garden.
How did Shesterkin perform aside from scoring?
Shesterkin made 24 saves and helped New York successfully kill all seven of Tampa Bay’s power-play opportunities.
