Rangers, Devils goalies throw punches during rivalry battle

The rivalry between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils is among the best in the NHL and both teams opened a new chapter on Tuesday night.

Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin and Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom dropped the gloves during a rare goalie tussle in the third period of New York’s 4-1 win over New Jersey.

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New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) responds to the challenge of New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom during a third period fight at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2026. (Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images)

New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin (31) and New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom (25) fight in the third period at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2026. (Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images)

As a commotion began near Shesterkin’s net, Markstrom skated onto the ice without his helmet. Both knew it was from there. Shesterkin seemed to have the upper hand on Markstrom in the scrum, landing more punches than his goalie counterpart.

“I would like to thank my boxing coach,” Shesterkin said jokingly after the match.

The battle even surprised Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan.

“It was a great fight. I didn’t know Shesty had it in him,” Sullivan said.

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Markstrom said he felt he had to get involved in the scrimmage as the Devils struggled throughout the game.

“I felt like I had to do something,” he said. “It’s adrenaline. You just have to go out there and head for the fences.”

Rangers star JT Miller praised the “old school” nature of the fight.

New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin (31) takes the ice for the start of the game against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on March 31, 2026. (Wendell Cruz/Imagn Images)

“It’s so rare and unexpected,” Miller said. “It was just old school…I think it was great for our team to see that. Seeing what a goalie can do — obviously goalies don’t fight that often — to see him support us and defend obviously sends the message that he’s such a leader for us.”

New York and New Jersey are near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division standings this season.

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The Rangers, already eliminated from the playoffs, improved to 31-35-9. The Devils fell to 38-34-2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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