Alexander Georgiev saves the shutout as Igor Shesterkin leaves game with lower-body injury
By Jordan Laroche
The Rangers were looking good coming into Friday’s game, the team had won four in a row coming into tonight, being in the top three in the league for point percentage. They beat the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night 4-1.
The Sharks also came in strong winning four of their last five games, this was the tail end of a back-to-back for the team as they beat the New York Islanders 2-1 in overtime Thursday night.
The first period was very tightly played, neither team gave up much defensively. The shots were tied at 10 a piece, the Sharks played well in their own end taking away a lot of good chances from the Rangers while also blocking 10 shots.
The defensive hold would end as Ryan Strome capitalized on a booming slap shot from the top of the circle opening the scoring of the game. Adam Fox assisted on the goal improving his point streak to five games, with seven assists during this stretch.
The second period was much of the same, neither team gave an inch. Strong play from both Igor Shesterkin and Adin Hill would keep the game at 1-0 for the Rangers. The San Jose penalty kill unit showed why they’re second place in the NHL out playing the Rangers powerplay all night.
The offensive struggle continued into the third period with both teams having powerplays and numerous chances. There are some signs of worry for the Rangers as star goaltender Igor Shesterkin went down with an apparent lower body injury halfway through the third period. His 2.15 GAA and .935 SV% are just proof of the stellar year he’s having and has been a big reason behind the Rangers success this season. Alexander Georgiev replaced Shesterkin in net.
But the game would go down to the wire as both teams had several chances down the stretch, Georgiev had to make some big saves as the clock winded down. Georgiev would make nine saves in the third period to hold the shutout for the Rangers.
Box Score:
1st period
G: Ryan Strome (4) A: Adam Fox (19) Mika Zibanejad (14)