New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, right, makes a sliding save against St. Louis Blues forward Kasperi Kapanen, left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/John Munson)
NEW YORK (AP) — Igor Shesterkin made 26 saves for his 13th career shutout in his 200th career NHL game, Vincent Trocheck and Jimmy Vesey scored first-period goals and the New York Rangers defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-0 on Saturday night.
Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko also scored for the Metropolitan Division-leading Rangers, who improved to 13-3-2 in their last 18 games. Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox each had two assists.
It was the second shutout of the season for Shesterkin, who played his first game for the Rangers in January 2020. He improved to 27-13-2 this season while helping the Rangers improve to 22-8-0 at home. They have won nine of their last 10 at Madison Square Garden.
“Everyone played the right way, great game,” said Shesterkin, who has a career record of 126-55-17.
The sinking Blues lost their third straight after falling 4-2 to the Islanders on Tuesday, then 4-1 to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. St. Louis is 3-7-1 in its last 11.
The Rangers converted three times on six power-play chances.
“We took too many penalties and they are too skilled,” Blues interim coach Drew Bannister said.
The Rangers lead second-place Carolina by four points in the Metropolitan Division. New York’s 60-minute effort pleased coach Peter Laviolette.
“I thought everyone played a solid game tonight,” Laviolette said. ”I thought the guys were sharp.”
Trocheck opened the scoring on the power play at 5:51 of the first, getting his 23rd goal of the season in his 700th career game.
Vesey made it 2-0 when he beat Jordan Binnington at 19:37 of the opening period.
Rangers rookie forward — and fan favorite — Matt Rempe appeared to score his first goal at home at 7:39 of the second, but officials ruled…
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