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Capitals beat Rangers 3-1 as New York goaltender Igor Shesterkin is helped off the ice

The New York Rangers' promising start to the 2026-27 NHL season took a sharp turn Friday night as they fell to the Washington Capitals in a 3-1 defeat. The loss was compounded by a concerning injury to star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who required assistance off the ice midway through the game after appearing to hurt his lower body.

Shesterkin’s absence left the Rangers without their top netminder, forcing a lineup adjustment that contributed to their struggles against Washington’s defensive adjustments. The Capitals, meanwhile, extended their winning ways with a solid performance, shutting down the Rangers’ offense despite a slower start to the game.

The injury marks a significant setback for New York, which had been riding a four-game winning streak before the matchup.

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