Igor Shesterkin is becoming a dual threat for the

Rangers. Three days after becoming the first player in franchise history to score a goalie goal, he nearly had another one near the conclusion of a 4-2 win over the Mammoth at MSG.

With the Rangers on the verge of a third straight victory, the Mammoth pulled Karel Vejmelka again in hopes of a late comeback from two down.

Having already faked out the Mammoth by helping set up an empty netter for Eeli Tolvanen to earn an assist, Shesterkin had another chance to make history.

With over a minute left, he had enough time to gather the puck and fire it down towards the empty net. However, this time, Mikhail Sergachev was in the way to calmly prevent another potential goalie goal.

Of course, Sergachev was greeted with boos from the fans who had hoped to see history repeat itself.

Ultimately, it didn’t affect the outcome. Unlike last year, when they couldn’t buy a goal at home to start their centennial season poorly, the Rangers beat Vejmelka three times to improve to 2-0 at home this season. 

Facing one of the league’s most improved teams, they got goals from Vladislav Gavrikov, Gabe Perreault, and J.T. Miller to earn a hard fought victory.

After Perreault put them ahead with his second goal in three games, Miller picked up his first of the season for what proved to be the game decider.

On a strong forecheck from Tye Kartye, who was elevated to the second line, he moved the puck back up for a Gavrikov shot that went in off Miller’s skate to make it 3-1 with 7:13 left in the third period.

That proved to be crucial due to the Mammoth coming right back over two minutes later on an Andrew Peeke goal that was set up from former Islander Anders Lee.

Despite playing for the second consecutive  night, the Mammoth continued to press the attack for the equalizer. They outshot the Rangers 15-9 in the third.

It was the steady play of Shesterkin that prevented them from tying it. He finished the game with 28 saves and was named the game’s third star.

On a Utah shoot in, Shesterkin fielded the puck behind his own net and thought about going for it. Instead, he made the right decision by making a good outlet for Will Cuylle, who had his attempt blocked. However, the puck came to Tolvanen for his team-leading third to seal it with 75 seconds remaining.

For his part, Shesterkin earned a secondary assist that gave him a two-game point streak (goal, assist), which led to more cheers after Joe Tolleson announced the scoring of the goal.

Already off to a great start by stopping 71 of the first 76 shots he’s seen, Shesterkin is doing it all for the Blueshirts. When they return to MSG on Tuesday for the first of four meetings against the Islanders, what else will he have in store? Tune in and find out.