The New York Rangers roared back after their season-opening stumble, as Igor Shesterkin delivered a spectacular 37-save shutout against the Buffalo Sabres, securing a definitive 4-0 victory that marked a pivotal milestone: Mike Sullivan’s first win as the Rangers’ head coach.
The New York Rangers found their stride on Thursday night, delivering a resounding 4-0 shutout victory over the Buffalo Sabres in their season opener. This pivotal win not only showcased the elite goaltending of Igor Shesterkin but also marked a significant moment for newly appointed head coach Mike Sullivan, who earned his first victory at the helm of the Broadway Blueshirts.
After a 3-0 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, the Rangers needed a strong performance, and they got it from start to finish. Shesterkin, a former Vezina Trophy winner, was the undisputed star, stopping all 37 shots he faced, including a crucial pad save on a partial breakaway from Josh Norris midway through the second period.
Shesterkin’s Dominance Continues
Igor Shesterkin’s shutout was the 22nd of his impressive career, pushing him past Lorne Chabot (21) for eighth place on the Rangers’ all-time shutout list. His performance against the Sabres was particularly stellar, following a 28-save outing where he allowed just one goal in the previous game. Through two contests this season, Shesterkin has stopped an incredible 65 of 66 shots, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier netminders. This consistent, high-level play is exactly what the Rangers faithful expect, especially under a new coaching regime.
Sullivan’s New Era Begins with a Win
For Mike Sullivan, the victory marked his first as head coach of the New York Rangers, a fresh start after a decorated decade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, was fired from Pittsburgh last spring after 10 seasons and took over the Rangers in April following the departure of Peter Laviolette. This win is his 480th career coaching victory, a testament to his enduring impact on the league.
The change behind the bench has brought a renewed sense of optimism to Madison Square Garden. Fans are keen to see how Sullivan’s proven winning philosophy translates to the talented Rangers roster. His ability to rally the team after an opening night loss speaks volumes about the immediate influence he’s having on the squad, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.
Lafreniere Sparks Offense, Late Goals Seal the Deal
The Rangers’ offense broke the deadlock in the first period, with Alexis Lafreniere scoring the game-winning goal at 11:43. After an Artemi Panarin shot was blocked, Lafreniere controlled the puck in a scramble near the post and stuffed it past Sabres goalie Alex Lyon. Lafreniere, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, now boasts four career game-winning goals against the Sabres, demonstrating a knack for clutch plays against Buffalo.
The game remained a tight 1-0 affair until the final minutes of the third period when the Rangers exploded for three quick goals to put the game out of reach. Newly named captain J.T. Miller, along with defensemen Carson Soucy and Adam Fox, all found the back of the net in the final 5:14 of the game:
- Carson Soucy made it 2-0 at 14:46 of the third, taking a pass from Will Borgen, skating into the left circle, and beating Lyon short side with a wrist shot.
- J.T. Miller increased the lead to 3-0 at 17:11, deflecting Braden Schneider’s point shot past Lyon.
- With the Sabres’ net empty, Adam Fox capitalized, firing a shot from just ahead of the Rangers’ goal line into the vacant net at 17:25, sealing the 4-0 victory.
The power play was ineffective for both teams, with the Sabres going 0-for-4 and the Rangers 0-for-3. However, the Rangers’ ability to convert chances in even-strength play, particularly in the critical third period, proved to be the difference.
Sabres’ Struggles Continue Amidst Injuries
The Buffalo Sabres, unfortunately, started their 2025-26 season on a challenging note. Goalie Alex Lyon, an offseason free-agent addition, made 29 saves in his start, stepping in for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. This shutout marked only the fifth time in 55 seasons and just the second time at home that the Sabres were blanked in their season opener. The team continues its quest to end a 14-season Stanley Cup playoff drought, the longest active streak in the league, as detailed by Sportsnet.
Adding to their woes, the Sabres were significantly impacted by injuries and absences. Beyond Luukkonen, key players sidelined included defensemen Owen Power (illness) and Michael Kesserling, as well as forward Zach Benson, who took a puck to the cheek in practice. Furthermore, center Josh Norris did not return after sustaining an upper-body injury during a faceoff in the second period, a concerning development given his history of shoulder issues and an oblique injury that ended his previous season after being acquired from Ottawa.
The Rangers also faced an injury, with forward Vincent Trocheck not returning after sustaining an upper-body injury in the second period, an update frequently tracked by sources like ESPN.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The New York Rangers will look to carry this momentum into their next game, a road matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. This will be a quick rematch of their season opener and an early test of their consistency under Coach Sullivan.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres will aim to bounce back from their tough opener as they travel to face the Boston Bruins on Saturday night. With mounting injuries, the Sabres face a significant challenge to find their first win of the season and prevent their playoff drought from extending even further.
