New York Rangers Get Elite Goaltending in Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick – Hockey Writers –

The New York Rangers have a 12-5-1 record despite several falling stars and defensive struggles. What fueled their success early this season was the play of goalkeepers Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick. Both are at very different stages of their careers and each has excelled in their role. The duo gave the Blueshirts the best team save percentage (SV%) in the NHL at .924 and came away with clutch saves late in close games.

Igor Shesterkin’s goal this season

After last season, Shesterkin had a .926 SV% and 2.34 goals against average (GAA) in 16 games and has continued to play at the same level earlier this season. Had a storming 31-save shutout over the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 6-0 season-opening victory on Oct. 9.

Shesterkin is learning to play well, fighting off screens, and showing composure when the Rangers struggle in front of him. In the first half of the team’s 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on November 21, he stopped 19 of 20 shots. He stopped 46 of 49 runs in the game and the decisive goal deflected off Kaapo Kakko’s stick. His quickness was on full display, as he made several locks after passing through the ice. He also surpassed them with the murder sentence, as they were cut off five times.

Related: Rangers’ Strong Start Can’t Last If Defense Doesn’t Improve

The Rangers looked good offensively but struggled defensively and Shesterkin’s play kept the game going. He stopped 31 of 32 shots in a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 14 and followed that up by stopping 34 of 35 shots in a 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 19. The Blueshirts were swept. it’s Toronto but their goalkeeper made the difference.

Additionally, Shesterkin has capitalized on the Rangers late in close games. He stopped all eight shots he faced in the final seven minutes of the third period in a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Nov. 1, stopping 40 of 41 in the game. He allowed three goals in the first two periods of a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks on November 19 but stopped all seven shots he faced in the third period.

Shesterkin is 8-5-1 with a .914 SV% and a 2.82 GAA. He had two tough games in a row, allowing five goals against the Buffalo Sabers on November 7 and the Winnipeg Jets on November 12 but allowing just 28 goals in his next 12 games.

Jonathan Quick’s goal this season

In 2022-23, a quick split with the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights, he finished with a 16-15-6 record, an .882 SV%, and a 3.41 GAA. However, at age 38, he finished with an 18-6-2 record, .911 SV%, and 2.62 GAA with the Rangers last season. His performance earned him a one-season contract extension.

This season, Quick has played well in all five of his games and has yet to allow more than two goals in a game. He was reliable, not conceding any soft goals but also came up with amazing saves from repeated chances and odd man-outs.

He stopped 29 of 31 shots in a 5-2 win over the Red Wings on Oct. 17 and stopped 31 of 32 shots, including a save in the third period, of a 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 26 Recorded a shutout in his last two games, stopping 37 shots in a 4-0 win against the Red Wings on Nov. 9. 24 shots in a 2-0 win against the Seattle Kraken Nov. 17. Rangers were played poorly in a 4-0 victory against Detroit but Quick made several highlight-reel saves and helped them steal the game.

He struggled quickly in 2022-23 but is thriving as the Rangers’ backup goaltender. His performance helped the team win the President’s Trophy last season and helped them get off to a good start this season.

For the Forward Guards

The Rangers have a big decision to make as Shesterkin will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after this season. His good postseason numbers and a good start to the season have boosted his value. Quick is also set to become a UFA after the season, and could earn another contract extension if he continues to play well.

Meanwhile, Rangers need both of their goaltenders to continue what they have done in the first 18 games. However, they also need the rest of the team to start playing better defensively to take the pressure off Shesterkin and Quick.