Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette twice reiterated that goaltender Igor Shesterkin “is still our player.”
But Jonathan Quick started Wednesday night’s game against the Lightning, his third straight game and second consecutive game following the All-Star break. This is a testament to the 38-year-old’s excellent play of late compared to the Rangers. No. 1 netminder for the past four seasons.
“It was a tentative plan to do that,” Laviolette said. “I think he’s earned it. All of a sudden, his numbers in his last three games are off the charts. He had a .950 save percentage at one point and gave up six runs, but Shesty is our guy. This was a chance for us to work with him. He is with [goaltending coach Benoit Allaire], get more videos and do more iterations. He can focus on his game and focus on stretch runs and stretch pushes.
“We’re in a fortunate situation where we have two great goaltenders. The plan for Shesty coming off his All-Star break was to get some work and practice time to prepare for the final stretch run.”
The keywords in this quote are provisional.
Shesterkin claimed he knew he wouldn’t play in the first two games before the game was suspended for eight days, but Laviolette’s use of the word “interim” was a no-brainer in Monday’s game against the Avalanche. Quick showed a game-stealing 32-save performance that could have legitimately cost him the net again.
The Rangers probably realize they have to be careful not to spark a goaltending controversy in the middle of a season that has gone off track a bit over the past nine weeks, in part because of Shesterkin’s average play. I’m sure you are.
Indeed, it is essential to move strategically to avoid being influenced by such narratives unless they are willing to go all in.
Shesterkin’s mentality and headspace should be paramount if the Rangers intend to continue using him as their No. 1 goaltender.
“I have a lot of faith in them and they have a lot of faith in me,” Shesterkin said after enjoying an optional morning skate at the Garden. “Just process it.”
Laviolette did not say who would start Friday against Chicago, despite the fact that Shesterkin has not played since giving up four runs against the Golden Knights on Jan. 26. , he said he wasn’t thinking that far ahead. .
If Shesterkin doesn’t get injured between now and Friday, there’s no doubt the 28-year-old will find the net against the Blackhawks.
There’s a fine line between a motivating decision and a detrimental one, and the Rangers need to foster Shesterkin’s confidence rather than question him.
Shesterkin agreed he is using this time to reset after posting a career-high 2.86 goals against average and career-low .899 save percentage in the first 32 games of the season.
“But let me be clear: I am ready for everything now,” the Russian netminder said. “I feel good. I have more confidence.”
Quick entered Wednesday’s game with an 11-4-2 record, fourth in the NHL with a 2.36 goals-against average and seventh-best save percentage at .921.
He has primarily provided the Rangers with often-needed clutch goaltending, especially in recent weeks.
There’s even talk outside the company about Quick hitting Shesterkin in the net with the Rangers.
However, things can get dangerous quickly here.
If Quick continues to outperform Shesterkin, the Rangers will have to make some tough decisions. Something that could leave a bitter taste in Shesterkin’s mouth.
It will be up to Shesterkin to end the goaltending controversy brewing in Manhattan.
It is also up to Rangers to handle it with the sensitivity and care required.
“He’s outstanding,” Shesterkin said of Quick. “I’m very happy to be able to learn every day how he plays, how he fights, how he stops the puck, how he focuses. I’m very happy.”
