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NEW YORK — Rangers and Devils goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Jacob Markstrom dropped the gloves and had a long fight halfway through the third period of the Rangers’ 4-1 win at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The goalies fought at 9:05 of the third period near New York’s net after Devils forward Paul Cotter tumbled into Shesterkin, which sparked a large scrum near the goal line.
The two keepers removed their helmets and exchanged blows. Shesterkin was the clear winner, knocking Markstrom on the ice several times.
“I’d like to thank my boxing coach,” Shesterkin said with a laugh after the game.
It was an exciting moment for two teams in the midst of lost seasons. The Rangers (31-35-9) have just 12 home wins in 37 tries. The Devils (38-34-2) had Stanley Cup expectations entering the season.
The 36-year-old Swedish netminder, who has struggled this season, said he was trying to spark the team.
“I felt like I needed to do something,” Markstrom said. “It’s adrenaline. You just go there and swing for the fences.”
Shesterkin and Markstrom received five minutes for fighting and two minutes for leaving their creases. Across the room, Rangers coaches and players lauded Shesterkin for his scrappiness.
“It was a great fight. I didn’t know Shesty had that in him,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said.
Despite the loss, Devils captain Nico Hischier praised his goaltender for showing some emotion.
“It shows his character, shows he’s a competitor,” Hischier said. “It’s huge for us ... I know Markie is an emotional guy. That’s what you want to see in your team.”
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