Igor Shesterkin’s Frustration After Rangers’ Loss: A Deeper Look
In a gripping moment captured by MSG broadcast cameras, New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin was seen angrily smashing his stick in the tunnel following a heartbreaking loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. This defeat marked yet another instance where Shesterkin received minimal offensive support, with his teammates leaving him hung out to dry in the game’s closing seconds.
A Tough Night for Shesterkin
Shesterkin, the highest-paid goalie in the NHL, has faced numerous challenges this season. Monday’s loss was particularly disheartening, as it marked the tenth time he was left with one goal or fewer from his team.
“I felt really good until the last 20 seconds,” noted Matt Rempe, reflecting on the game. His frustration was palpable after being on the ice for Pavel Mintyukov’s last-minute goal. With only 2.9 seconds left on the clock, Mintyukov’s goal was made possible largely due to the Rangers’ inability to maintain their effort when it mattered most.
The Ducks had sealed their victory with an empty-net goal earlier, further compounding the Rangers’ woes.
The Rising Pressure on Shesterkin
Despite the Rangers’ offensive struggles this season, Shesterkin continues to shine statistically. His .908 save percentage ranks him tied for sixth among goalies with at least 20 starts this season, alongside Filip Gustavsson of Minnesota and Jeremy Swayman of Boston.
As the owner of an eight-year, $92 million contract, Shesterkin’s immense talent carries high expectations. The financial burden on the organization highlights the need for him to deliver exceptional performances, especially with a cap hit of $11.5 million per year.
Defense and Assistance from Teammates
While the Rangers’ defense has improved under head coach Mike Sullivan, Shesterkin remains crucial to the team’s success. The talented netminder has kept his team competitive in matches they may not have had a chance in otherwise. His career save percentage of .917 ranks second in the NHL since he entered the league during the 2019-20 season.
In fact, his goals saved above expected stands at 14.4, placing him sixth among goalies with at least 20 starts, according to Moneypuck.com.
The Workload and Future Games
Shesterkin has participated in 27 out of 35 games, reflecting a significant workload, exacerbated by teammate Jonathan Quick’s injury. The demanding schedule saw Shesterkin play back-to-back games on November 28 and 29, with this occurrence being only the sixth of his career.
Sullivan expressed unwavering faith in Shesterkin’s capabilities during games, even when the goalie faced pressure from clumsy plays, stating, “I didn’t feel like any of the goals scored were bad goals… I never got the feeling that, ‘Geez, it just wasn’t Shesty’s night.’”
Upcoming Challenges
As the Rangers transition to their next matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, Quick is set to make his eighth start of the season, stepping in on the second night of a back-to-back slate. The team’s ability to rally around Shesterkin moving forward will be crucial for their postseason aspirations.
Summary
Igor Shesterkin’s performance, combined with the need for better offensive support from the Rangers, paints a picture of a talented goaltender under pressure. As the season progresses, fans will watch closely to see how the team can bolster their scoring to alleviate some of the burden on their star goalie.
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