Shesterkin Leaves Rangers Loss With Apparent Leg Injury

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin was helped off the ice with an apparent right-leg injury during Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals and did not return. The Rangers lost 3-1, with Dylan Garand taking over in goal after Shesterkin’s exit. The injury occurred in the second period during a scramble near the Rangers’ net. Shesterkin had moved out of his crease to challenge a Capitals attack and was trying to get back into position when his right leg struck or caught against the goalpost, according to on-ice accounts. He fell and remained down as medical staff attended to him. Teammates helped Shesterkin off the ice without him putting weight on his right leg. The reports described the injury as apparent, but no diagnosis or expected recovery time was provided. The Rangers had not confirmed how long he might be unavailable. Garand entered after Shesterkin left. He stopped 11 of 12 shots in relief, according to a Rangers beat report, which said the appearance was his fifth career NHL game. Washington’s Boone Jenner scored late in the second period to give the Capitals the lead, and the 3-1 score held.