The Rangers are set to have two important pieces back on the ice Thursday night against the Devils, with the return of goalie Igor Shesterkin from an upper-body injury, as well as the presence of Matt Rempe, back in the lineup following an eight-game suspension.
Shesterkin hadn’t played since Dec. 30, when he suffered the injury — but finished the game against the Panthers.
The Rangers, who suffered their fourth straight defeat that night, won two of the four games in Shesterkin’s absence, and they’re pleased to have their standout goalie back in net.
Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is set to return to the lineup on Jan. 9, 2025. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
He suffered an upper-body injury in late December 2024. APWill Cuylle called it “huge” to see Shesterkin back on the ice.
“He’s a world-class goalie, so he’ll help us out,’’ Cuylle said after the team’s optional morning skate Thursday.
Rempe returned after missing eight games due to league discipline after a crushing hit on Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen on Dec. 20.
Rangers forward Matt Rempe is returning from an eight-game suspension. AP
It was Rempe’s second ban of his young NHL career and he said Wednesday he understood due to his physical play that he was a “marked man.”
Filip Chytil, who left Tuesday’s loss with an upper-body injury, skated prior to Thursday’s skate. That he was on the ice was “progression,” according to Laviolette.
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The coach added there remains no timetable for Chytil’s return to action, but “that he was out on the ice is a good thing.”
Arthur Kaliyev, claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Monday, was slated to make his debut with the team Thursday after skating on the third line in Wednesday’s practice.
“He had a good practice [Wednesday], so he’s in,’’ Laviolette said of Kaliyev, who had 35 career goals over parts of four seasons with the Kings.
The 23-year-old spent part of his childhood on Staten Island.
