Shesterkin goes after Tkachuk during scuffle between Rangers, Senators

New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin got a little hot under the collar during his team's 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.

Senators captain Brady Tkachuk bumped into Shesterkin in the crease early in the third period, and the goaltender remained down as players from both teams mixed it up behind his net.

But the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner suddenly rose to his feet and went after Tkachuk. Shesterkin was knocked down, but he got up to get another piece of the physical forward.

Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe continued the scrap with Tkachuk as Shesterkin was pulled away from the scuffle.

Though Shesterkin isn't the player the Rangers would typically like to see in a physical altercation, Rempe liked what he saw.

“I was a little nervous because I don't want anything to happen to him, but I love it, just because he's a competitor," Rempe said. "I just want to make sure I get in there and nothing happens. But it was awesome. Igor's the man."

Shesterkin got a penalty for leaving his crease, while Rempe and Tkachuk were both dinged for roughing. Tkachuk got an additional penalty for goaltender interference.

"I just got couple punches from Tkachuk," Shesterkin said of the fiery moment. "To be honest, this was (from his) hit on me. (I didn't) really enjoy that, because I was between the pipe and him. ... I just tried to hold him, but he wanted to fight. It's tough for me because I cannot drop my gloves. If I do that, I will go to the locker room."

Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette, meanwhile, was succinct in describing the tussle.

"That's hockey, man," he said. "There's always stuff that goes on around the crease. Goalies don't usually get into it, but obviously he was offended."

Shesterkin made 20 saves for his second straight shutout and third of the season. He's been excellent since his return from a four-game injury absence, going 5-0-1 with a .943 save percentage and 1.45 goals against average over that span.

The Rangers have picked up a point in nine consecutive games. They'll look to keep the streak alive Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers.