New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin had to be helped off the ice Friday after suffering a lower-body injury against the San Jose Sharks.
Head coach Gerard Gallant said postgame that the ailment is "not as bad as it looked."
Shesterkin appeared to be in discomfort after stretching out for a loose puck in front of his crease. He didn't put any weight on his right leg as teammate Jacob Trouba and a member of the club's medical staff helped Shesterkin off the ice.
Hate to see this. @NYRangers' Igor Shesterkin was helped off of the ice after this play. pic.twitter.com/yPqHf136mY
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 4, 2021
The 25-year-old was visibly frustrated after he left the surface, punching a wall with his blocker on the way to the dressing room.
Backup Alexandar Georgiev finished the game in Shesterkin's absence.
Shesterkin has been one of the best goalies in the league this season, entering Friday with a 12-3-2 record, a .935 save percentage, and a 2.15 goals against average. He ranks second in the league in goals saved above expectation (12.1) and fourth in goals saved above average (10.8), per Evolving-Hockey.
Georgiev, meanwhile, entered Friday with an .858 save percentage and 4.08 goals against average in six appearances this season.
Shesterkin and Georgiev combined for a 28-save shutout in the Rangers' 1-0 victory.
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