It was no secret that Rangers forward Igor Shesterkin was disappointed with his play last season.
Shesterkin ranks among the top five NHL goaltenders with at least 50 starts in wins (37), save percentage (.916), and goals allowed (2.48), but he still ranks his performance in the Vezina Trophy. I was comparing the performance with the time I got it. In 2021-22, he put together a historic campaign.
Last season will give him motivation, the Rangers’ No. 1 netminder said, but he’s put it in the past.
“Right now I just want to live each day in a positive way,” he said without the aid of a translator. “Last season, I was so angry, [at] It’s because I couldn’t play as well as I wanted. I think you remember how I was every time I practiced. very angry I didn’t really want to talk to anyone outside of my family. ”
The drop-off from one season to the next clearly weighed on him as the season progressed, resulting in immense frustration.
When he mentioned his actions during practice, he was referring to the frequent tapping of his stick after conceding a goal and the overall tense atmosphere he maintained on the ice.
But Shesterkin on Thursday appeared to be lighter in weight, as would be expected this early in training camp.
The 27-year-old Russian said he worked on brain training this offseason, so he hopes it helps him stay positive.
“He’s a player,” Rangers backup Jonathan Quick said of Shesterkin. “Obviously, he’s gotten to play against him a few times over the last five years. It’s a lot of fun to watch him work hard and be competitive every day.”
Shesterkin started 58 of 82 regular-season games last season, while former Rangers No. 2 goaltender Jaroslav Halak played in 25 games.
Expect a similar workload split between Shesterkin and Quick this season.
“Everything goes through me as far as decisions about what we do in practices and practice, who starts, how many games we play and communication with the goalie,” Laviolette said. “If a decision needs to be made about the starting goaltender, I will consult and discuss, but I am an inclusive coach and will sit down with the coaches and discuss and work together to find out what is best for the team. “I like where something can happen and the room can be divided on what to do.” The decision will come back to you. ”
The Rangers have invited goaltender Brad Albanis to training camp for a professional tryout, the team announced Thursday.
Albanititz played in 20 games with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League and one game with the Wichita Thunder of the East Coast Hockey League last season.
He has yet to play in the NHL.
The Rangers’ coaching staff went on a social trip before the start of training camp.
“We decided to spend a few days together to get to know each other and even our spouses,” Laviolette said. “We talked about hockey all day and then went out to dinner and I got a chance to sit next to him. [director of goaltending Benoit Allair] And Benny’s wife. ”
