Rangers Stars Igor Shesterkin and Pavel Buchnevich Injured in Car Accident Sunday Night
By Adam Weinrib
The New York Rangers, firmly planted in what was supposed to be one of the final years of a rebuild, have instead vaulted back into playoff contention, four points shy of the final spot.
Their surge has been due, in large part, to the goaltending of Igor Shesterkin, who's reinvigorated the team in much the same way Jordan Binnington did for last year's Blues, only taking a single loss on his ledger thus far.
Unfortunately, as it often does, the randomness of real life disaster has once again intervened with the Rangers' best-laid plans. An internet rumor monger was given credence Monday morning, when New York GM John Davidson announced that Shesterkin and Pavel Buchnevich were both injured in an overnight car accident, with the goalie sustaining more damage.
JD says Shesterkin and Buchnevich were in a car accident. Buch has no significant injuries. Igor has a rib fracture. He’ll be reassessed in a couple weeks. #NYR #NHLTradeDeadline
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) February 24, 2020
Shesterkin will be reevaluated in a few weeks, but seeing as his exceptional play has keyed the team's rise from "also ran" to postseason contender, that should just about put a bow on New York's campaign.
Though thoughts immediately went to a Henrik Lundqvist buyout or trade when an emergency press conference was announced Monday, the King's presence behind Alexandar Georgiev is now essential.
"Shesterkin each year because of his work ethic coupled with his talent has gotten better and better."
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 11, 2019
See what the #NYR Organization has to say about Blueshirts prospect Igor Shesterkin. pic.twitter.com/lEru3CeYI0
New York wasn't likely to win the Stanley Cup in 2020 anyway, but fans could dream on Shesterkin's rise. Now, that balloon has been plucked.