Igor Shesterkin's Injury vs Mike Richter's: Why It's Not Comparable
Igor Shesterkin is out for the season in an injury setup very eerie to Mike Richter’s injury in February of 2001, when he hit the right side of the goalpost in Chicago and tore his ACL and injured ligaments in his knee. Richter would retire shortly after the injury, but that was due to countless concussions and other injuries he had sustained during his career – which brings any ‘career-ending’ fears for Shesterkin all-but gone.
Although Shesterkin’s injury has not been exactly stated, it is confirmed that the Vezina Trophy winner suffered a lower-body injury to his right knee. Shesterkin scrambled to the side back netting during a Washington power play and would jam his right skate awkwardly into the goal post. The Russian had to be helped off the ice, as he was unable to put any pressure on his leg.
Just a day later on October 10th, not even a full 24-hours since the injury occurred, the Rangers officially ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The Rangers loss of Shesterkin is far from small – the possible hall of fame goalie had posted a 1.79 GAA with a .927 save percentage this season, going 3-1-0 in the young beginnings of the season and even getting the first-ever Rangers goalie goal.
Shesterkin will come back for the 2027-28 season at age 32, in what will be his ninth season in the league.
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