Igor Shesterkin is still the best goaltender in the NHL. Is he playing like it right now? Obviously not. But when Shesterkin is on his game, he’s untouchable. It’s also not as though he’s been categorically bad this year either; he just hasn’t been historically great like last season. But toss out Monday’s loss against the Jets and find me a game where Igor lost the Rangers a game. I’ll wait.
Can’t find one? Didn’t think so.
That’s been the hallmark of this year, even in games where he’s let in a few soft goals, he’s battled back and shuts down teams in the third to give them a chance to win, which they’ve done many times. That’s why he’s still in the top 5 in wins this season, even with some noticeable regression to his game. Shesterkin is a competitor who rises to the occasion, and I couldn’t be less worried about what he’ll be like in the playoffs. There is no one else I’d rather have between the pipes when it matters most, and I’d say you’re a fool to think otherwise. The ceiling of his game is simply unrivaled in the league.
Sometimes a fanbase gets spoiled by superstars when they show they are, in fact, human. This isn’t a new phenomenon. Ask Gretzky if felt the love when he failed to win the Kings a cup. How many losses do Edmonton fans like to hang on McDavid for not being as elite defensively as he is offensively? Within the Rangers fanbase, just this year, many were questioning the heart and determination of Fox when he wasn’t playing like he’d seen every possible variation of how a play would end up like he’s Doctor Strange.
The human element of sports performance is so often overlooked by low-effort takes, especially with goalies where their game rests on one square foot of real estate—their mind. Shesterkin is clearly struggling right now. He’s going down too early, not setting properly, playing too deep in his net, and overreacting to plays and fighting the puck. But that’s because, as much as we said it last year, he’s not actually a puck-stopping machine, he’s a human being. Confidence waxes and wanes, bad games, personal issues, and a lack of sleep from having a newborn can all take a toll on the short-term game of goaltenders. But it’s nothing to freak out about after one disappointing loss.
The last point I need to make is regarding his refusal to do press after the loss to the Jets. Give him a freaking break. It is beyond tacky for the boomer reporter elements of New York Rangers media to act as if him not wanting to do a presser is an indictment on his character. Those people should be ashamed of themselves for treating Shesterkin like a spoiled child because he didn’t feel like stewing in a bad loss. He knows what’s best for him more than any retired reporter can ever say. Players are not accountable to the press but to their team. If they have a scoop that Shesterkin is fighting with his own team and causing problems, I’ll listen to them then. Until then, I’ll say stay in your lane of bad takes and bad trade rumors. Igor will be fine.
