If there's anything to take away from the Rangers' 6-0 season opener over the Penguins, it's that Igor Shesterkin literally means business.
The former Vezina Trophy winner has proven he's worth more than the eight-year, $88 million offer he rejected from GM Chris Drury, which would have already made him the highest-paid netminder in NHL history. .
He followed up that statement by stopping all 29 shots in Pittsburgh, including six dangerous shots on net, and saving a better-than-expected 3.3 goals per game, according to MoneyPac.
In doing so, Shesterkin became the first Rangers goaltender in 68 years to open a season with a shutout.
Shesterkin and the Rangers' mainstays are in a do-or-die year and will return to host Utah Hockey Club in Saturday's home opener, opening as a -210 favorite on the BetMGM money line.
The move to Utah and the exorcism of Coyote's history seem to have breathed new life into the series.
In the first two games, Utah scored five goals per game and went 5-on-5 against both the Blackhawks and Islanders.
More runway is needed to properly assess this team's long-term potential, but Utah's 2.69 expected goals per 60 number is a step in the right direction as opposed to where it left off in the desert. This is a step forward.
Would you bet on the NHL?
Connor Ingram provided decent goaltending for the Coyotes last year, ranking in the top 21 percent in goals saved above expectations and 1.07 high-danger goals against average, according to Natural Stat Trick. was recorded.
The Rangers' lineup has its hands full, scoring from all four lines on Wednesday, but Utah's heavy pressure and two-way play should help Ingram combat Shesterkin's financial mandate.
play: Rangers vs. Utah HC Under 6 (-110, BetMGM).
Why trust New York Post Betting?
Sean Trepedi is handicapped by the NFL, NHL, MLB, and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to reduce risk.
