Senators' Brady Tkachuk's Hit on Rangers' Igor Shesterkin Sparks Chaos

The New York Rangers’ 5–0 shutout victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night was overshadowed by an aborted fight between Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin and Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.

The chaos began with 12:51 left in the third period when Tkachuk collided with Shesterkin in the crease while chasing a rebound, leaving the Vezina goalie shaken up.

Shesterkin, who took a while to get back to his feet, was visibly frustrated and skated toward Tkachuk once he returned to vertical position, seemingly intent on escalating the situation and entering a one-on-one fight.

"I just got couple punches from Tkachuk," Shesterkin explained after the game. "To be honest, this was (from his) hit on me. (I didn't) really enjoy that, because I was between the pipe and him.

"I just tried to hold him, but he wanted to fight. It's tough for me because I cannot drop my gloves. If I do that, I will go to the locker room."

Before Shesterkin could engage further, referees stepped in, separating the goaltender from Tkachuk.

Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe, however, took it upon himself to defend his teammate, squaring off with Tkachuk in a fight.

Both players received double roughing penalties, while Shesterkin was assessed a penalty for leaving the crease, and Tkachuk was called for goaltender interference.

Shane Pinto and Ryan Lindgren were also involved in the melee, with Pinto roughing Lindgren during the altercation.

Despite the skirmish, Shesterkin completed the game with 20 saves, earning his second consecutive shutout. Alexis Lafreniere, Will Cuylle, Arthur Kaliyev, Artemi Panarin, and Rempe all scored for the Rangers.

Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette brushed off the incident as part of the game.

“That’s hockey, man,” Laviolette said. “There’s always stuff that goes on around the crease. Goalies don’t usually get into it, but obviously, he was offended.”

 

The Rangers have now earned points in nine consecutive games and will look to continue their streak Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Following Tuesday's win, New York improved to a 23-20-4 record on the season but is still outside of the postseason picture by two points off the second wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.