I know that I have defended New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin in this space a lot.
In previous posts, I have told Blueshirt fans not to worry about him. In those posts, I point out how Shesterkin, 28, will find his game, how his statistics will still end up being in the top half of important goaltending categories, and how he is still the same goaltender who won a Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender in 2022.
Given his play of late, I am starting to wonder if I am right. On Thursday night, January 18, the Rangers lost 5-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas. It was a game in which Shesterkin was not particularly good, as he stopped 21 of 25 shots for a .840 save percentage.
For someone who is considered an elite goaltender, Shesterkin’s numbers this season do not portray that. He is 18-11 with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage.
His win totals are great, but both his goals-against average and save percentage are sub-par. For his career, Shesterkin currently owns a 2.45 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage, which shows that there is a different level that Shesterkin can take his game to.
Rangers fans have seen a high level of play from Shesterkin sparingly this season. He has had a few winning streaks where he has shown flashes of brilliance and has played like the Vezina Trophy winner that he was just two seasons ago.
There are a few reasons why Igor has not been himself this season. One reason is the play in front of him.
When Shesterkin is between the pipes, the team seems to play a lot looser. They probably feel like they can take more chances because they have Shesterkin playing behind him.
Unfortunately for both the Rangers and Shesterkin, that has not always been the case this season. Sure, Shesterkin will come up with a big save here and there, but there have been times this season when he has not been able to do so.
Secondly, whenever Shesterkin allows a goal or two, he seems not to be able to move past it. He has trouble moving on to making the big save, and he seems to dwell on the goals he has already allowed.
Lastly, he has allowed a lot of soft goals this season. There have been plays where he has not set himself up properly, or his angle has been off.
The Rangers are very lucky that their backup goaltender, Jonathan Quick, has played so well this season. Quick, 37 (will turn 38 on Sunday, January 21), is currently 9-3-0-2, 2.49 GAA, .912 save percentage, and two shutouts.
If you were to tell Rangers fans prior to this season that Quick would be the team’s best goaltender in the first half of the season, they would have probably said that you were off your rocker. Do not look now, but it is true that Quick has been the better goaltender this season.
If the Rangers want to have a strong second half and then make a name for themselves in the Stanley Cup playoffs, they are going to need Shesterkin to be a lot better. Shesterkin is their franchise goaltender and has already done a lot of great things in his first four and a half seasons with the club.
There is no time like the present for Shesterkin to get back to playing like the elite goaltender that he is.
ITR 26: 2 Nations Fighting – Inside The Rink
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