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Shesterkin named player of the week, it’s about time

By Steve Paulus|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers is given the first star of the game after the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2021 in New York City. The Rangers won 4-0. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers is given the first star of the game after the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden on October 29, 2021 in New York City. The Rangers won 4-0. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Guess who got named an NHL Player of the Week?  Igor Shesterkin and all we can say is it’s about time.   The New York Rangers’ netminder was selected on the basis of his three wins, 1.67 goals against average and .955 save percentage.

Despite his stellar statistics, Shesterkin has not been a player of the week this season with 13 other NHL goalies recognized before he was.  He joins Chris Kreider as Rangers so honored.  Kreider was selected for his play the week of January 23.

It’s no mystery that Shesterkin is not just the favorite for the Vezina Trophy, but is also a candidate for the Hart Trophy as MVP. 

Ranger fans are well aware of how good he is. Of all goalies who have appeared in 30 games, he boasts a league leading .942 save percentage and the best goals against average of 1.93.  He has won 28 times this season, third most in the NHL.  Andrei Vasilevskiy leads with 30 wins, but he has played in 42 games compared to 39 games for Shesterkin.

But wait, it gets better.  At even strength, Shesterkin’s save percentage is still best at  .942 but his goals against average drops to 1.86.  His save percentage on high danger shot attempts is best in the NHL at .878.  When he was in net, the expectation was that the opposition would score 82 goals.  He has allowed 57 goals, 25 fewer than the expected  goals total.

Of course, he is the Rangers’ best penalty killer.  His .933 save percentage while shorthanded is second only to James Reimer’s .951.  The opposition was expected to score 22 goals against the Rangers while on the power play.  Shesterkin has allowed only 13 goals.


Finally, when it comes to Goals Saved Above Average, the number of goals saved above the league average based on save percentage and shots faced, Shesterkin is head and shoulders above the rest of the league.  His number 40.08.  Fredrik Andersen is second at 21.67.  Remarkable.

Shesterkin has raised his level of play recently.  Since he allowed four goals against Florida on December 29 he has played 18 games.  In those games he has allowed three goals five times, two goals five times, one goal five times and pitched three shutouts.  Even better, in his last 10 games, he has allowed 15 goals.  In those 10 games he has allowed just 11 goals at even strength.

Ranger fans are witnessing an historic stretch of goaltending.  Sit back and enjoy it.,  Congratulations to Igor for getting the recognition he deserves.

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