Igor Shesterkin exits ice after collarbone hit
The New York Rangers are finishing up their morning practice ahead of tonight's matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, but insider Jim Matheson provides an intriguing update.
According to Jim Matheson, New York Rangers superstar goaltender Igor Shersterkin took a blast from Reilly Smith during practice. The puck made contact with his collar-bone, resulting in Shesterkin to leave the ice for evaluation.
As Matheson suggests, it could have been just a stinger that caught Shesterkin in a bad spot. Regardless, Shesterkin leaving the ice is definitely a cause for concern for Rangers enthusiast.
According to the hockey writers, Jonathan Quick is the projected starter between the pipes for the Rangers, but Shesterkin's potential absence adds pressure, as a poor start could lead to Quick being pulled with no suitable backup.
In other news, Oilers insider Tony Brar reported that blue-liner Evan Bouchard has been listed 50/50 for tonights game, missing morning practice.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, The Oilers will also be missing forwards Zach Hyman and Victor Arvidsson tonight with injury. Hyman sustained an injury against the Ottawa Senators, and Arvidsson's been day-to-day for over a week now.
-Liam McCormick, Oilers Daily
The New York Rangers should be a great test for the Oilers tonight.
Despite a handful of their key players being sidelined with injuries, the Oilers will need a significantly better performance than their 5-3 loss to Minnesota Wild.
As it stands, it's looking like Jonathan Quick is the likely starter between the pipes for the New York Rangers tonight.
