Igor Shesterkin still claims that Ilya Sorokin's goal doesn't count

There is typically no fraternization accepted by the fanbases of the NY Islanders and the NY Rangers, but both sides have seemingly made exceptions for the bromance between Ilya Sorokin and Igor Shesterkin.

The goaltenders for the two New York-based franchises, Sorokin and Shesterkin, have been close since their time playing in Russia, and have maintained that bond while playing in the NHL. 

Sorokin takes a jab at Shesterkin

As good friends do, the two enjoy heckling one another, with Sorokin’s goal two years ago remaining a topic of conversation. Shesterkin says Sorokin's goal doesn’t count because an opposing player actually played it into the net, and Sorokin was the last Islanders player to touch the puck.

“Statistically speaking, that’s a goal,” Sorokin said in an interview posted on X by Uggg (translated from Russian). “What Igor says doesn’t matter. When he scores one himself, then we’ll talk!”

Since entering the league, puck handling has been a strong suit of Shesterkin, while Sorokin trails his buddy in that regard. Taking multiple attempts at empty nets, Shesterkin has yet to record a goal. Sorokin, on the other hand, has yet to make an attempt at goal (that I can think of), but still has one tally due to some puck luck. But, Shesterkin does have one fight under his belt after taking on Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils last year. 

The goal will remain a talking point between the two, with Sorokin having bragging rights for life unless Shesterkin can manage one of his own.

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