Tuesday was a better-than-expected and ‘where the heck did that come from’ news day. Not surprisingly, New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin was placed on injured reserve. In addition, out of nowhere, the Rangers announced that Adam Fox was being placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve with a lower-body injury.
Shesterkin was injured in the first period Monday night. JJ Peterka made minimal contact with Igor’s right pad, with the injury occurring to his left leg. Shesterkin was unable to put any weight on his left leg, needing assistance to get off the ice and down the tunnel.
Igor is being classified as week to week with continued evaluation and the hope that he won’t be sidelined long-term. When the injury first happened, most of us felt it was major and season-ending. Perhaps Igor avoided a worst-case scenario, though it is possible he will be out until after the Olympics break, especially if the Rangers struggle the next week or two.
New York promoted Spencer Martin to back up Jonathan Quick, who will see most of the action between the pipes. It’s a bit surprising that Martin was called up over Dylan Garand, as both players have the same 775K cap hit, and Garand has played better lately.
The Fox news came out of nowhere. Monday was his third game back after missing 14 contests with a shoulder injury. He played 23:30 in the overtime loss, staying on the ice for all two minutes of the man advantage that started with 3:14 remaining and the score tied at two. The earliest Fox can return is January 31, but at this point, let him sit until after the Olympics and get four more weeks of rest.
I did find it interesting at that time that Vladislav Gavrikov was on the ice to begin the overtime but dismissed it thinking that coach Mike Sullivan may be giving him an extra minute or two after the amount of time he had played. Utah won it 1:06 into overtime, so not seeing Fox didn’t register that there was an injury.
The Rangers promoted Scott Morrow, who is riding the I-95, Hartford-New York shuttle. In addition, to preserve cap room, Brett Berard was sent down. Losing Fox, again, coupled with the absence of Igor, may be a death knell to the season.
In the immortal words of Trading Places, modified somewhat, Sell Drury Sell. New York already has the lowest point percentage in the Eastern Conference. With their number one goalie and defensemen sidelined for a while, it’s time to likely tear it down to the studs.
If Artemi Panarin is not interested in a team-friendly extension, deal him for assets. Move the tertiary pieces just to free up space for the younger players. Decide if the bigger names, like Vincent Trocheck, are worth moving, especially with free agency on July 1 looking like a dud based on who has signed.
A dark day at MSG.
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