Regardless of what head coach Mike Sullivan claims, it’s easy to see why performances like Igor Shesterkin’s recent game might start to fit a pattern with the Rangers. After all, over the past six seasons, he’s established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.
In the first period against the Panthers, Shesterkin was instrumental, stopping all 15 shots Florida threw at him. His efforts played a significant role in helping the Rangers secure a two-game winning streak leading up to Tuesday’s game against the Devils. It was refreshing to see him perform at his best, especially when many teammates didn’t seem to match that intensity during the game.
The stats back it up: Shesterkin has allowed one goal or fewer in 90 of his career games and has recently surpassed John Vanbiesbrouck, moving into ninth place on the Rangers’ all-time leaderboard for this category. He ranks eighth in goals saved above expectations this season—a notable achievement for a player with a hefty $92 million contract, which runs for seven more seasons. Even a less-than-stellar year, where he faced an injury, only highlights his importance to the team.
“We never take it for granted,” Sullivan expressed after the game, emphasizing how exceptional Shesterkin is. “I mean, I’ve said it before; he’s undoubtedly the best goalie out there. Some of his saves may appear routine, but they’re far from it. He just makes it look easy.”
It’s clear that expectations weigh heavily on Shesterkin, perhaps more than on his teammates. His accolades, such as the Vezina Trophy win in 2021-22, set a high bar. Fans expect him to uphold the legacy of Rangers legends like Mike Richter and Henrik Lundqvist. This pressure has contributed to his struggles in previous seasons.
However, Shesterkin approaches Tuesday’s matchup with a .912 save percentage, a slight increase from last year’s .905. Despite recording just one shutout this season, if he can maintain a scoring average under 2.55 for the remainder of the year, it will be his best since 2022-23.
During the game against the Panthers, he made critical stops, including preventing AJ Grier’s breakaway and a power-play opportunity from Etu Luostarinen, who found himself all alone in front of the net. He also thwarted Vinny Hinostroza as he navigated through defenders, even though the Rangers capitalized on the same penalty.
Shesterkin’s teammates recognize his value. Defenseman Adam Fox commented, “He gives us a chance to win every game, even when we’re not at our best. He’s just a great guy doing this for us night in and night out.”
As the Rangers think about the offseason, goaltending remains a question mark, especially with Jonathan Quick approaching the end of his career at 40. Meanwhile, Dylan Garland has only started a couple of games but is showing promise as a future top goaltender for the team.
Yet, amid all the uncertainty, there’s Shesterkin’s presence. He’s firmly planted with the Rangers, and that stability offers a sense of assurance.
