Shesterkin’s Shutout Stuns Lightning as Rangers Cap Season with Statement Win

NEW YORK — Igor Shesterkin delivered a 32-save masterpiece, backstopping the New York Rangers to a 3-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in a electrifying regular-season finale at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. The shutout, Shesterkin’s fifth of the season, solidified the Rangers’ momentum heading into the playoffs and snapped the Lightning’s seven-game win streak.

The Rangers (55-23-4) struck early, with Chris Kreider burying a power-play rebound just 4:12 into the first period. Artemi Panarin extended the lead late in the second, wiring a wrist shot past Andrei Vasilevskiy off a slick feed from Vincent Trocheck. Rookie sensation Will Cuylle sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute, igniting chants of “I-gor!” from a raucous crowd.

Shesterkin was the story, however, turning aside multiple high-danger chances from Tampa’s star-studded offense. He robbed Nikita Kucherov twice on breakaways, stoned Brayden Point on a third-period penalty shot, and weathered a late onslaught to preserve his 14th career shutout. “He’s our backbone,” said Rangers captain Jacob Trouba. “When he’s locked in like that, we’re a tough team to beat.”

The Lightning (45-29-8), already playoff-bound, struggled to solve Shesterkin despite outshooting New York 32-28. Vasilevskiy made 25 saves but couldn’t stem the Rangers’ offensive pushes.

“This was a playoff-type game,” said Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette. “Igor was exceptional, and we played with the urgency we’ll need moving forward.”

New York finishes the season atop the Metropolitan Division, securing home-ice advantage for the first playoff round. Tampa, the Eastern Conference’s first wild card, will face a stern opening test against the Atlantic Division champions.