Rangers Game Tonight: Team Faces Critical Stretch Amid Injury Crisis

Rangers Navigate Challenging Period Without Star Players

The New York Rangers find themselves at a critical juncture in their 2025-26 season as they prepare for upcoming games without two of their most valuable players. The Rangers placed goaltender Igor Shesterkin on injured reserve and defenseman Adam Fox on long-term injured reserve Tuesday, a day after the team’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth.

Shesterkin Injury Update and Impact

Igor Shesterkin needed help off the ice after sustaining a lower-body injury with seven minutes remaining in the first period of the New York Rangers’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden on Monday. The scene was concerning for Rangers fans, but there is some positive news. According to sources, the Rangers avoided the worst-case scenario with Shesterkin, and the injury is not believed to keep him out past a week-to-week designation.

Shesterkin is 17-12-4 with a 2.45 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in an NHL-leading 34 games this season. His absence creates a significant challenge for a team fighting for playoff positioning.

Upcoming Schedule and Playoff Implications

The Rangers next face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Madison Square Garden. Following that, they travel to Boston to face the Bruins on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at TD Garden.

The Rangers find themselves out of a playoff spot with 46 points through their first 44 games. With 13 games remaining before the break for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, every match becomes crucial.

Quick Steps Up as Backup

With Shesterkin sidelined, the Rangers will rely on veteran backup Jonathan Quick. The 39-year-old veteran, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, is considered one of the best backups in the league and has gone 3-6-2 with a 2.11 GAA this season.

Looking Ahead

The Rangers’ injury crisis extends beyond Shesterkin. Adam Fox has been placed on long-term injured reserve and will miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days, making him ineligible to play until Jan. 31. This double blow to the roster will test the team’s depth and resilience as they fight to remain in the playoff hunt during this crucial stretch of the season.