The New York Rangers aren’t ready to say who will be the starting goalie when play resumes
In these days of hockey doldrums, as we wait for the season to re-start, whenever there is a speck of news, everyone jumps on it. That goes for the New York Rangers as much as any team. So, when Dan Rosen of nhl.com did a story that the Blueshirts have no idea who will be starting in goal when play resumes, the hockey world jumped on a story Rangers fans are well aware of.
Rosen’s story was based on an interview with Coach David Quinn. Quinn basically reaffirmed what we all know, that the decision on who will start will be made based on how the goalies do in training camp with their regular season records factoring in.
Reading between the lines, this is exactly what you would expect Quinn to say. Going in, he has to respect future Hall of Fame goalie Henrik Lundqvist and his lifetime and season record against the Hurricanes. He also has to give the inconsistent Alexandar Georgiev his due. In reality, the job is Igor Shesterkin’s to lose.
The decision is really between Shesterkin and Lundqvist and there are pros and cons for both.
Shesterkin
Pros: His career record in every league he has played in has been special. He played very well in the KHL playoffs last season. His 10-2 NHL record along with his .932 save percentage (SV%) make him the frontrunner. Remember that one of his losses was after he rushed back into action after his car accident, allowing five goals in two periods and being pulled in favor of Lundqvist.
Another important factor is how confident the team is in him as their netminder. If the players believe that he gives them a better chance of winning, you can be sure that Quinn will go with the rookie.
Cons: 12 NHL games is not an extensive track record. He did have that bad game against New Jersey after the layoff. Shesterkin has exhibited some nerves, allowing some bad goals in his Ranger debut at the Traverse City tournament last summer and allowing two quick goals in his NHL debut against Colorado. In a best-of-five series, there is absolutely no room for a slow start.
Lundqvist
Pros: He has played better against the Hurricanes than any other team in the NHL. He was undefeated this season and stole the Blueshirts first win against them with a 45 save performance in November. A 3-0 record along with a .947 save percentage and a 2.33 goals against average (GAA) is nothing to sniff at. You have to believe that Lundqvist is in the heads of the Hurricanes, something that matters in a short series.
Lundqvist has been practicing in Sweden and was able to get back on the ice early, much earlier than Shesterkin. However, he has also never been able to go into the postseason with that kind of rest. A well rested, motivated competitor like Lundqvist could be a real asset. He has to know that this could be his only remaining kick at the Stanley Cup can and with Panarin, Zibanejad and company, he has a good shot of being a Cinderella team.
Finally, does experience matter? Lundqvist has played in 128 Stanley Cup Playoff game with a 2.28 GAA and a .927 SV%. If it matters, Lundqvist oozes experience.
Cons: Age and his regular season are two huge reasons he should sit. This year, he had the worst save percentage (.905) and goals against average (3.16) of his career. Over the last two seasons, and particularly this year, we have seen a lack of confidence from Lundqvist. It was made worse when he sat for extended periods, relegated to the position of low man on the goalkeeping totem pole.
Last year, Lundqvist was the face of Team Sweden at the World Championships. He wasn’t his usual stellar self, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.84 GAA and a .887 SV%. He was in net for the quarterfinals game that saw Sweden eliminated in overtime. He’s clearly not the Lundqvist of old, but can he pull it off?
Georgiev
It’s doubtful that Alexandar Georgiev can knock Shesterkin or Lundqvist out of contention, but if he shows something in training camp (and any exhibition games) he could be a dark horse. Everyone remembers his spectacular showing against the Maple Leafs. He’s still a long shot.
Are we getting close?
All indications are that the two hub cities will be Edmonton and Toronto. Reports are that the NHLPA and the League are very close to finalizing an extension of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Training camps are supposed to start in just over a week. Things will begin to heat up as we get closer and that means when training camps start, there will be an answer to the Rangers’ goaltending question so we don’t have to speculate any more.