Goalie Goal! Igor Shesterkin Scores for the Rangers

The Russian goaltender scores a goal, a first for a Rangers netminder. He himself sees room for improvement in his celebration.

Source text: © Associated Press/Laola1

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Igor Shesterkin can celebrate scoring a goal in the NHL, becoming only the 18th goaltender in NHL history – and the first New York Rangers netminder ever – to do so.

In the Rangers' 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 30-year-old scored into an empty net with 2:34 remaining. Afterward, the goalie was mobbed by his ecstatic teammates and celebrated by the fans – but his lack of routine as a goal-scorer was evident in his celebration.

"I didn't see the puck, so I didn't know if I could celebrate or not," Shesterkin explained after the game. "Then everyone jumped on me; it was an incredible feeling."

"Maybe Next Time"

The thought of scoring a goal himself had been on his mind for a while, and he had actually imagined celebrating differently. "But I didn't see the puck cross the goal line. Then I was a bit shy and didn't know what to do," Shesterkin said.

"Maybe next time. I will try to score again."

Shesterkin's goal was only the 21st goaltender goal in NHL history (including playoffs). The Russian also excelled in his primary role, stopping 24 of 25 shots on his net.

The goalie goal in the video: