Igor Shesterkin survived a rocky start in his first NHL game, giving up two goals in the first seven minutes, but settled in and grew in confidence, and the Rangers’ provided enough offense to give Shesterkin a 5-3 win, Tuesday night at The Garden.
The Blueshirts got goals from some of their biggest names Tuesday: Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad, Brady Skjei, Ryan Strome, and an empty netter from Artemi Panarin.
Shesterkin allowed two goals on the first four shots he faced, but stopped 27 of the last 28 shots he faced including 13 saves in the 3rd period.
Panarin [1G, 2A] and Jesper Fast [3A] each had three points for the Rangers.
The Rangers currently have three netminders on the roster: Shesterkin, Henrik Lundqvist, and Alexandar Georgiev.
The Rangers [now 20-18-4, 44 pts] host the New Jersey Devils Thursday night at The Garden.