The New York Rangers are riding a season-long eight-game point streak (5-0-3) heading into a showdown at MSG against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. New York now sits just four points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, which is occupied (in a tie) by Ottawa and the Boston Bruins.
A key reason for the Rangers recent resurgence is the play of goalie Igor Shesterkin. In his past five games since coming off IR, Shesterkin is 4-0-1 with a shutout. He’s allowed nine goals in that span and shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets 1-0 in a game decided in the shootout Saturday.
It has been an inconsistent season overall for Shesterkin, with a 15-15-2 record, 2.87,goals-against average and .916 save percentage. However, after missing four games with an upper-body injury, Shesterkin’s been at the top of his game.
The 29-year-old goalie appears back to his early form at the start of the season, when he single-handedly won games for the Rangers. Shesterkin had a 6-3-1 record out of the gate this season, and bailed out the sloppy Rangers seemingly on as nightly basis. It appears he’s regained that stellar form, which gives the Rangers an edge to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
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Rangers did Igor Shesterkin no favors with porous defense
When the Rangers season began to spiral in mid-November their atrocious team defense certainly took a toll on Shesterkin and backup Jonathan Quick. As the Rangers cratered in front of him, Shesterkin showed his own cracks in goal during a terrible 4-15-0 stretch for the team in November and December.
Shesterkin lost five starts in a row from No. 21 – Dec. 2, surrendering 18 goals. He allowed four goals or more eight times in November and December. He was pulled twice in a five-start span in December.
It was a terrible combination of Shesterkin not at his best playing behind a porous defense for a team who’s effort was non-existent some nights.
In the middle of this Rangers mess, Shesterkin signed a contract extension that made him highest-paid goalie in NHL history, Not the best timing.
Shesterkin sustained an upper-body injury Dec. 30 in a loss to the Florida Panthers. The Rangers began to play better in his absence, and he met their improved play with his own after returning for a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 9.
Igor Shesterkin looking to copy second-half success from last season with Rangers
Shesterkin benefited from a break last season to help reset his game. In 2023-24, he struggled in the first half with a 2.86 GAA, .899 save percentage, and zero shutouts in 32 games up until the NHL All-Star Break.
After the break, Shesterkin was arguably the best goalie in the second half of the NHL season. Shesterkin was 17-5-1 with four shutouts, a 2.20 goals-against average, and .930 save percentage in 23 games after Feb. 9.
This season, his stint on the IR appears to have served served as the needed break. Shesterkin reset mentally and physically and since returning has not lost a game in regulation.
Part of that credit goes to the defense playing better in front of him. The Rangers are more committed defensively and blocking far more shots, playing a smarter all-around game.
That’s most of the time. It wasn’t so pretty in recent overtime losses to the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens, when the Rangers blew third-period leads with Quick in goal and allowed five goals in each loss.
But the Rangers are right back in the playoff picture. And the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as we all know, is where Shesterkin really shines.
During the Blueshirts run to the Eastern Conference Final last season, Shesterkin faced 524 shots in 16 playoff games, with the Rangers outshot in 13 of them. Yet, he helped them to within two wins of the Stanley Cup Final.
That’s the goalie they need down the stretch this season to set up another possible run in the postseason. And it’s looking like Shesterkin is finding that form again.
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The New York Rangers have found their spark in star goalie Henrik Lundqvist as they make a push for the playoffs. Lundqvist, who has been dealing with some health issues earlier in the season, has come back strong and is playing at the top of his game.
With Lundqvist between the pipes, the Rangers have been able to tighten up their defense and limit opponents’ scoring opportunities. His stellar play has given the team a much-needed boost as they fight for a playoff spot.
Not only is Lundqvist making key saves, but his leadership and experience are invaluable to the team as they navigate the final stretch of the season. His presence in the net gives the Rangers confidence and stability, two crucial elements for success in the playoffs.
As the Rangers continue to battle for a playoff spot, having a healthy and in-form Lundqvist is exactly what they need to make a strong push towards the postseason. With the star goalie leading the way, the Rangers have a real shot at making a deep playoff run.
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