The New York Rangers’ 3–2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on Monday night at Madison Square Garden came with far greater consequences than a single point in the standings. Starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin exited early with a lower-body injury and did not return, casting a shadow over an otherwise competitive performance.
Utah erased two Rangers leads and ended the game just 1:06 into overtime when Sean Durzi finished a Nick Schmaltz pass behind Jonathan Quick. The Mammoth have now beaten New York three times in four meetings, with every victory coming in overtime.
Shesterkin was injured midway through the first period following a pad save on J.J. Peterka. As Peterka avoided contact in the crease, Shesterkin fell awkwardly backward into the net and immediately showed visible pain. He was helped off the ice without putting weight on his left leg, and the team later confirmed he would not return.
Jonathan Quick stepped in and delivered a strong relief effort, turning aside several high-danger chances and keeping the Rangers in the game. He also provided a spark early in the second period by confronting Utah forward Daniil But after contact in the crease, energizing both the crowd and the Rangers’ bench.
The Rangers opened the scoring on the power play when Alexis Lafrenière buried a perfect pass from Mika Zibanejad, who later added a second assist on New York’s other goal. That tally came when Vincent Trocheck redirected a shot from Artemi Panarin past Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka during a 5-on-3 advantage, continuing the team’s recent success with the extra man.
Despite strong special-teams play and another steady performance from Adam Fox on the blue line, the Rangers failed to close out the game. Utah tied it early in the third period and eventually won in overtime, leaving Jonathan Quick, Zibanejad, and Panarin frustrated as New York settled for just one point in a game it led late — a costly result as the team continues to chase a playoff spot.