Igor Shesterkin left Friday's game in Washington early, and the Rangers are now waiting on news about the pillar of their team.
Mike Sullivan offered no update after the 3-1 loss. That silence will hang over the Rangers all weekend.
J.T. Miller didn't hide how the room felt. "It's awful. He's a pillar of this team. It stinks."
The captain also admitted the uncertainty. "We don't even know what's going on, but to see him leave the game is a shock to all of us."
Shesterkin, 30, carries an $11,567,857 cap hit and owns a .927 save percentage this season. Few teams lean on a goalie the way New York leans on him.
The depth chart is thin. Joonas Korpisalo is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, expected out until at least Oct. 19.
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Dylan Garand gets his chance as Mike Sullivan waits on news
That puts Dylan Garand in the spotlight. Miller made it clear the team needs to "step up to a man to try to get the job done, especially for G."
Garand has been sharp when called on. He posted a 22-save shutout in Detroit and sits at a .971 save percentage.
The 24-year-old carries an $875,000 cap hit. Fans had already been asking why he wasn't getting more starts.
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Garand can handle this. The Rangers should ride him without panic, and Chris Drury should only reach for outside help if the news on Shesterkin turns long-term.
Losing your starting goalie is like the lead singer losing his voice before a tour. Somebody has to step up to the mic.
The Rangers are 4-2-0 and host Vancouver on Sunday.
Miller called it a shock. Whether it becomes a crisis depends on the update Sullivan couldn't give on Friday night.
Can Dylan Garand carry the Rangers if Igor Shesterkin misses time?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Blood-curdling scene as Igor Shesterkin goes down with a scary leg injury
