3:10PM: Henrik Lundqvist said that the plan was to play Igor Shesterkin but he was told last night he would be playing.
1:40PM: Shesterkin was shown on MSG, sitting in the stands in Toronto, and Joe Micheletti said that he is “day to day but expected to be okay Monday if they need him.”
His presence in the arena confirms that he is not dealing with Covid-19 and is likely battling an injury.
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1:07PM: Jesper Fast, who took a hit from Brady Skjei on his first hit and went to the locker room, is not expected to return. (NYR)
11:31AM: John Giannone reports on MSG that Igor Shesterkin has been determined “unfit to play” and that Henrik Lundqvist will start in goal.
GIannone noted that Shesterkin is being listed as day-to-day.
Alex Georgiev will back up Lundqvist.
Adam Rotter: With no word on injuries, we don’t know for sure what is going on with Shesterkin and whether he was hurt against the Islanders, hurt in practice yesterday or how long he’ll be out. It’s possible he has Covid-19 but the NHL announced this week no one in either bubble has tested positive and with all the precaution being taken, it’s much more likely he suffered an injury.
What does it mean for the Rangers, well, Henrik Lundqvist starts in net. He may not have been the player David Quinn wanted to start in net, but he’s certainly familiar with playoff hockey and he was strong against the Islanders. Is the crease his for good? Only if he wins. If he loses or struggles then I don’t think David Quinn will hesitate to make a change and bring Alex Georgiev in. This could be Lundqvist’s last chance to make a run with the Rangers and I’m sure he’ll be ready for it.