Metropolitan Division leaders New York Rangers extend unbeaten run since January 26.
Shesterkin kept his team's net empty with 39 saves until late in the game.
The New York Rangers added to their impressive winning record by defeating the New Jersey Devils with a score of 5-1, bringing their total victories to nine games in a row.
New Jersey, meanwhile, lost for the third time in four outings, leaving them five points behind the Eastern Conference's second wildcard spot.
The Rangers successfully preserved their lead by thwarting all Devils power plays in the game.
Fiery Start to the Game
The game began with a bang as Matt Rempe made his NHL debut by dropping gloves and exchanging punches with Jonas Siegenthaler after he came after Rempe for a hard hit that caught Nathan Bastian in the head just 1:37 into the first period.
The altercation resulted in a severe enough infraction, leading to a match penalty against Rempe for targeting an opponent's head despite videos showing that it was a clean hit, i.e. Rempe didn't leave his feet, he led with the shoulder, and he kept his elbow tucked. It was unfortunate and cost the Rangers rookie.
The Rangers capitalized on opportunities even while shorthanded, scoring twice within minutes of each penalty kill to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
Chris Kreider's counterattack goal came from a pass by Igor Shesterkin, who earlier in the period had denied Curtis Lazar's attempt at an equalizer on a breakaway.
Continued Dominance
New York continued to dominate possession and created numerous scoring chances throughout the game.
Alexis Lafrenière added his first goal with just under two minutes remaining in the opening period, capitalizing on a turnover by Luke Hughes.
Vincent Trocheck's late third-period goal sealed the victory for the Rangers.
the Rangers were able to capitalize on their man advantage less than five seconds into it as Mika Zibanejad let a shot-pass go
Igor Shesterkin made several impressive saves throughout the game, including a few during the Devils' power plays.
His most notable save came when he denied Jack Hughes on a breakaway late in the third period, keeping his team's shutout hopes alive until Hughes eventually scored with two minutes remaining.
New Jersey failed to convert any of their five power plays into goals despite attempts.
The game was played without several key players due to injury or suspension. New York was missing Filip Chytil and Blake Wheeler, while New Jersey was without Dougie Hamilton, John Marino, and Vitek Vanecek.
Jacob Trouba, defenseman and captain of the New York Rangers, had nothing but praise for teammate Lafreniere, who scored a pair of goals in their 5-1 win against the Devils.
Future Matchups
The Rangers now sit just one win away from equaling their longest winning streak in franchise history (10 games), which was achieved during the 1939-40 and 1972-73 seasons.
Our PK has kind of slipped the last couple games and we've talked about that and wanted to do a good job tonight
Jacob Trouba
During the hockey match between the Rangers and the Devils, it was the penalty kill unit that made a significant impact by effectively neutralizing all five of New Jersey's power plays, including a major penalty lasting five minutes and a double-minor penalty consisting of four minutes.
Nico Hischier, centre and captain of the New Jersey Devils, expressed his frustration after the game. He was quoted saying, "It's frustrating for everyone, for the players out there, players who are not on the ice. We just need to find a way to score."
The New York Rangers will next face the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday in a crucial divisional matchup, while the Devils travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins.
