The New Jersey Devils fell 4-1 to the New York Rangers. However, a thrilling moment occurred in the third period when Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom dropped the gloves with Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Adding to the drama, the goalie fight marked the first fighting major given to a goaltender since Corey Schwarb on January 9, 1995.
During the altercation, the two threw punches at one another, with Markstrom ultimately hitting the ice.
Earlier in the game, things had been tough for the Devils, who only got one puck past Shesterkin.
Connor Brown was the lone scorer for the Devils, earning his 16th goal of the season on a power play. The tensions that led to the goalie fight began when Paul Cotter was given a penalty for interference on Shesterkin.
In the ensuing chaos between the teams, Markstrom skated out to the opposite side of the ice and challenged Shesterkin. The goalie fight lasted less than 30 seconds; however, four penalties were assessed.
For reference, the list of all assessed penalties is below.
09:05 - Paul Cotter (#47) 2 minutes for Interference - Goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin (#31)
09:05 - Jacob Markstrom (#25) 2 minutes for Goalie leave crease
09:05 - Igor Shesterkin (#31) 2 minutes for Goalie leave crease
09:05 - Jacob Markstrom (#25) 5 minutes for Fighting Igor Shesterkin (#31)
09:05 - Igor Shesterkin (#31) 5 minutes for Fighting Jacob Markstrom (#25)
After the game, Rangers coach Mike Sullivan offered his view on the fight.
“It was a great fight. I didn't know Shesty had that in him,” Sullivan said to NHL.com.
The crowd erupted as Shesterkin and Markstrom fought. Shesterkin reflected afterward.
“The whole stadium was so loud,” Shesterkin said. "I just didn’t want to get knocked out.”
Despite the loss, the Devils won the series against the New York Rangers 2-1. The two teams will not meet again this season.
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