New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin scored the first goal by a goalie in the franchise’s 100-year history while making 24 saves in a 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Shesterkin sealed the game late in the third period by collecting the puck and sending a rink-length shot into an empty net.
A rare NHL moment
Goalie goals are among hockey’s rarest scoring plays because goaltenders usually remain deep in their own zone and often move the puck with safety rather than shooting for the opposite net.
The goal came with Tampa Bay using an extra attacker. Shesterkin’s shot traveled the length of the ice and crossed the goal line with 2:34 remaining.
Rangers earn first home win of the season
The Rangers controlled the game well before the historic goal. Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Dorofeyev each recorded a goal and an assist, while New York limited Tampa Bay’s power play to no goals in seven opportunities.
For Shesterkin, the night combined a strong goaltending performance with a franchise milestone that immediately became one of the early highlights of the NHL season.
Sources: Reuters/Field Level Media game report, Oct. 2, 2026; NHL game data.
