Igor Shesterkin was pretty darn good in the New York Rangers’ 3-2 overtime win against the New York Islanders on Monday.
Yes, it’s the preseason. No, it’s not too early to get excited about the No. 1 Rangers goalie.
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Shesterkin stopped 21 of 22 shots over 40 minutes against the Islanders, before handing a 2-1 lead over to rookie Dylan Garand to start the third period. You’ve seen this script before — the Rangers were badly out-shot (22-11) and out-chanced (18-9), but Shesterkin was the best player out there, so they nursed a one-goal lead.
The Islanders had nearly a 70 percent expected goal share the first two periods, per Natural Stat Trick, but trailed by a goal because of Shesterkin’s difference-making play between the pipes.
Now, keep in mind that the Islanders dressed many of their regulars in this one. And the Rangers didn’t have most of their top players — like Adam Fox and the rest of their top-four on defense, plus forwards Artemia Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere — in the lineup.
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So, this isn’t a rip job on Rangers struggles in all three zones. Instead, it’s a nod to the fact that Shesterkin’s having a very strong training camp and preseason (1.72 goals-against average, two goals allowed on 33 shots, in games).
And that’s a very good thing for the Rangers. Because at the end of the day, you can talk new coach, new-look power play, new collective attitude, new captain, promising play from a host of youngsters — the list goes on — but Shesterkin’s brilliance is right there at the top of most important factors if the Rangers are to recapture their mojo, and a playoff berth, this season.
Sure, his career-worst numbers last season (2.86 GAA, .905 save percentage) were due in large part to the atrocious and often-disinterested defensive play in front of him. But he wasn’t at his best, either (perhaps worn down by the team-wide dysfunction on and off the ice). That’s true despite ranking seventh in the NHL with 21.6 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck.
So, it’s OK to feel good about Igor’s sharp preseason. And it’s OK to feel hopeful about lies ahead this season.
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New York Rangers news and analysis
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Here are our key Rangers takeaways from their 3-2 overtime win against the Islanders.
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NHL news and rumors
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Minnesota Wild website: The Wild signed superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov to a massive eight-year, $136 million contract, with a record-setting $17 million average annual value.
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TSN: Bad news for the Winnipeg Jets, who will be without defenseman Dylan Samberg 6-8 weeks because of a broken wrist.
The Province: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander had ankle surgery Monday and is out 8-10 weeks.
Sportsnet: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios says that “there’s good, positive dialogue” regarding a possible contract extension with forward Shane Pinto, who can be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of this season.
The Athletic ($$): Scott Powers reports that the Chicago Blackhawks are running out of patience with Lukas Reichel and that the young forward is being shopped on the trade market.
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Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers have no plans to rush highly-touted prospect Isaac Howard to the NHL, but that doesn’t mean the 21-year-old forward won’t be on their roster opening night.
Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McClellan delivered a scathing take on where some of the team’s top players are at a week before the regular season begins
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