Horrific scene in New York as Igor Shesterkin goes down with disgusting leg injury

Shesterkin was scrambling to get back into position when he landed awkwardly and tumbled backward into his net. He stayed down as play was stopped. The Rangers have not yet shared a diagnosis or a timeline.

The timing is difficult for New York. The Rangers entered the night riding a four-game winning streak, and their franchise goalie was a big reason why. Shesterkin carried a 3-1-0 record, a 1.75 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage into the game. Earlier this month, he also became the first goalie in Rangers history to score a goal.

Depth is already a concern. Backup Joonas Korpisalo is currently out, which leaves the crease thin if Shesterkin is forced to miss time. Head coach Mike Sullivan will have plenty of questions to answer once the game ends.

Shesterkin left a game against Utah in January with a lower-body injury. He landed on injured reserve and missed about a month, though ESPN reported at the time that the club avoided the worst-case scenario.

His value to this team is hard to overstate. The 30-year-old carries an eight-year, $92 million contract that makes him the highest-paid goalie in the NHL, and the Rangers' early success this season has leaned heavily on his play.

Last season, the Rangers missed the playoffs for a second straight year, yet Shesterkin held his own with a 25-19-6 record, a 2.50 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage over 51 appearances. This season looked like a fresh start for both the goalie and the team.

Until the Rangers provide an update, the severity remains unknown. Any extended absence would test a club that is trying to hold onto its early momentum, and it would put pressure on New York to find answers in net. Check back for the latest as more information becomes available.

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