Rangers Suffer Season-Worst 8-2 Loss to Sabres After 4 Nations Break

New York concedes five first-period goals, raising concerns about playoff hopes and Shesterkin's form.

The Rangers allowed a season-high eight goals in a lopsided loss to the Sabres, including five in the first period alone.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin was pulled after just 18:21, marking the earliest exit of his NHL career, following five goals on 16 shots.
This loss continues a troubling stretch for Shesterkin, who has posted an .817 save percentage over his last six starts since signing a record-setting contract extension.
The Rangers remain four points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot with six games left before the trade deadline, raising questions about potential roster moves.
Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Ryan McLeod each scored twice, while defensive lapses and turnovers plagued New York throughout the game.