Igor Shesterkin becomes first Rangers goalie to score in 5-1 win over Lightning in home opener

NEW YORK (AP) — Igor Shesterkin became the first New York Rangers goalie to score when he lofted the puck the length of the ice into an empty net, capping a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.

A year after failing to score in their first three home games last season, the Rangers wasted little time preventing a repeat performance, getting a goal from Mika Zibanejad less than six minutes into their Madison Square Garden opener.

Pavel Dorofeyev and Eeli Tolvanen each scored his first goal with his new team, and top prospect-turned-important contributor Gabe Perreault deflected in a shot by No. 1 defenseman Adam Fox.

Shesterkin scored with 2:34 remaining, becoming the 18th goalie in NHL history with a goal. The first of his career was the 21st by a player at the position, counting the playoffs.

It was a far cry from the nightmare start at MSG in October 2025, when the Rangers went nearly 181 minutes before setting off the goal horn there. They became the first team in league history to get shut out in the first three home games of a season.

The crowd at this home opener didn't even have much of a chance to get nervous. Coming off getting blanked 3-0 on the road Tuesday night at Boston, New York was the aggressor early. Drawing a penalty paved the way for Zibanejad to score on the power play.

The offensive outburst allowed the Rangers to put up four goals on 24 shots against two-time Vezina Trophy- and Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. In a matchup of two of the best at the position in the world, Shesterkin stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced, leading to chants of “Igor's better!”

The only goal Shesterkin gave up was to Nikita Kucherov, the reigning MVP who banked the puck in off the right skate of Rangers center Noah Laba.

More “Igor!” chants followed his goal.

Lightning: Host Washington in their home opener Saturday night.

Rangers: With backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo injured, Dylan Garand appears in line to start Friday night at Detroit.

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

New York Rangers' Gabe Perreault (94) reacts with the bench after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning ,Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

New York Rangers players are introduced before an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

New York Rangers players react after Gabe Perreault (94) reacts after scoring during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin stands in the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

NEW YORK (AP) — Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers became the 18th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal when he shot the puck into an empty net late in a 5-1 victory against Tampa Bay on Thursday night.

Shesterkin was mobbed by celebrating teammates after scoring with 2:34 left. He skated to the bench at the front of the line of players to fist-bump teammates on the bench and was serenaded by chants of “Igor! Igor!” from fans delighted to see him finally cash in.

The first of his career is the 21st by a goalie, counting the playoffs. Shesterkin has been known to try his hand at scoring before.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper gave him the opportunity Thursday night by pulling Andrei Vasilevskiy off and on during the third period for an extra attacker.

Shesterkin was also terrific at the other end, stopping 24 of the 25 shots he faced. He was named the first star of the game.

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin reacts after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)