Shesterkin, Markstrom engage in goalie fight

In a rare display of on-ice aggression, New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin and New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom squared off in a fight during the Rangers' 4-1 victory over the Devils at Madison Square Garden.

The fight broke out at 9:05 of the third period following a scrum behind the net, where both goalies removed their helmets and exchanged punches, with Shesterkin landing more strikes. After the match, Shesterkin humorously credited his boxing coach, while Rangers captain J.T.

Miller expressed excitement over the moment, saying, 'It was that was awesome.' The crowd erupted in cheers, marking the fight as a highlight in what has been a challenging season for the Rangers at home, with only 12 wins in 37 games prior to this match.

Both goalies received five minutes for fighting along with two additional minutes for leaving their creases. Prior to the fight, Shesterkin had stopped 22 of 23 shots, contributing to the Rangers' third consecutive home victory.

The game also featured contributions from various players, including Mika Zibanejad, who scored and received the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award for the third time in his career. The Rangers' victory against the Devils also marked their first win in the season series.

Markstrom's decision to engage in the fight showcased his competitive nature, as noted by Devils captain Nico Hischier, who praised his emotional leadership. Shesterkin's performance, including his unexpected fighting prowess, has strengthened his position as a leader for the Rangers, as noted by coach Mike Sullivan, who remarked, 'I didn't know Shesty had that in him.'