The New York Rangers fanbase thought they were getting a repeat of the disastrous 2025-26 season after the team lost 3-0 to the Boston Bruins in the season opener. It was a game in which Igor Shesterkin was on his own island, while the Rangers were unable to get any of their shots past Jeremy Swayman. Fans were certainly hoping this wouldn't be an ongoing theme this season.
Then, the Rangers shifted the tide immediately afterwards, winning three games in a row against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Utah Mammoth, outscoring them all 11-3. But Shesterkin stole the show for the Rangers this week during his starts against the Lightning and Mammoth.
In the closing moments against Tampa Bay, Shesterkin made history by becoming the first goalie in Rangers history to score a goal. This moment spread across the hockey world. Everyone loves a goalie goal...unless it happens against your favorite team. Shesterkin also recorded an assist against the Utah Mammoth after trying to go for his second career goal.
This was a week that Rangers fans will remember for quite some time. But as it turns out, it is one that the NHL world won't forget about either.
Igor Shesterkin named NHL's first star in first week of the 2026-27 season
On Tuesday, the NHL announced their three stars of the week for the first week of the 2026-27 season. Shesterkin not only made the cut, but was named the first star. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (four goals, four assists in three games) and Vancouver Canucks forward Paul Cotter (four goals, two assists in four games) were named the second and third stars, respectively.
What Bouchard and Cotter have done thus far is commendable, as their four goals are tied for the league lead. The fact of the matter is Shesterkin recording a goal and an assist, while putting up great numbers in net. Oh, and making franchise history helps matters too.
Igor Shesterkin's goal overshadows the great numbers he's put up in net
In the team's season opener against the Boston Bruins, Shesterkin had to endure a number of odd man rushes due to defensive breakdowns or inopportune line changes. Yet, he was able to block every shot for the game's first 56 minutes. But Shesterkin could only stop so much, as he gave up two goals in around a minute in the 3-0 loss. Shesterkin stopped 20-of-22 shot attempts.
Then, there was the much-talked about game against the Lightning. Of course, there was the empty net goal that sent the hockey world into a frenzy. But besides that, Shesterkin stopped 23-of-24 shots from a dangerous Lightning team.
Finally there was the 4-2 win over the Mammoth, where there wer esome bragging rights on the line, considering both teams made the huge trade involving Vincent Trocheck and Sean Durzi. Utah, a young team that made the playoffs last season and looking to take that next step forward, stood as a tough test for the Rangers. Yet, they held them to just two goals, as Shesterkin stopped 28-of-30 shots on net. Oh, and Shesterkin did notch an assist on Eeli Tolvanen's empty net goal after the goaltender's shot attempt was blocked by Mikhail Sergachev.
So far on the year, Shesterkin has a 2-1 record, a .934 save percentage, and a 1.67 goals allowed average.
It was no coincidence that the Rangers were doomed last season when Shesterkin missed time with injury. He is one of the best goaltenders in the league, so that wasn't much of a coincidence. The Rangers are reaping the benefits of his play early on this season, showing he can take them as far as he can. He will face a huge test this week when the Rangers take on the rival Islanders on Tuesday and the Washington Capitals on Friday.
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