What's happened
Igor Shesterkin has become the 18th NHL goalie to score a goal, delivering a dramatic moment as the Rangers beat the Lightning 5-1 in Madison Square Garden's home opener. Zibanejad, Dorofeyev and Tolvanen fuel the offense; Fox and Perreault contribute on goals. Shesterkin stops 24 of 25 as the crowd roars.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Shesterkin’s goal is a historic milestone that signals the breaking of a traditional goalkeeping record and boosts team morale.
- Offense from Dorofeyev, Tolvanen, and Perreault shows New York’s depth, linking top-line production with newcomers’ integration.
- The crowd’s chants of “Igor!” underscore a cultural moment that could energize the team through the early season.
- A successful bounce-back game after a tough road trip could set the tone for a more consistent home performance.
How we got here
The Rangers opened at Madison Square Garden after a rough road trip and a winless start last season at home. This game sees multiple new players contributing to a strong offensive performance, including Dorofeyev and Tolvanen scoring their first goals with New York, while Shesterkin adds a historic goalie goal.
Our analysis
AP News reports from Oct 2, 2026 highlight Shesterkin’s goal and the Rangers’ 5-1 win over the Lightning, with note of Zibanejad’s early score and Dorofeyev/Tolvanen’s first goals with the team. Multiple outlets corroborate the game’s key moments and crowd reaction.
Go deeper
- What does Shesterkin’s goal mean for his role this season?
- How will Dorofeyev and Tolvanen adjust after scoring with their new team?
- Will this win translate into a longer home-ice resurgence for New York?
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Mika Zibanejad - Ice hockey centre
Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. Zibanejad was selected sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators.
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Bolts - Hockey team of the National Hockey League
The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The Lightning play their
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New York Rangers - Ice hockey team
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. They compete in the National Hockey League as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference.