Grading Igor Shesterkin against the Pittsburgh Penguins

The New York Rangers won in statement fashion against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first game of the 2024-25 NHL season. With a 6-0 victory, the tone has been set that the Rangers are indeed back for another potentially successful season.

Even though they put up a touchdown, minus the extra point, against the Pens, the most impressive feat of the night belongs to goaltender Igor Shesterkin. Amidst all the contract controversy, he put all the chips on himself this season to prove his worth again. After one game, he has already solidified that he should be paid whatever he wants.

How did he fair, and what should he be graded for his first appearance of 2024-25?

One game, one shutout. Shesterkin is off to a scorching start, against an outstanding offensive team in the Penguins. He stopped all 29 shots he faced through 60 minutes and achieved his 16th shutout of his career. That moves him into a tie with John Vanbiesbrouck for the ninth-most in Rangers history.

Sehsterkin was already in mid-season form. By making big saves to silence the Penguins three powerplay opportunities. He did have some help, with his fellow blueshirts getting down and blocking 20 shots meant for the net. Even without a big shot-blocker in defenseman Ryan Lindgren, the team was able to rally together and fill the void.

As it stands now, Shesterkin is 1-0 on the year, with a 1.000 save percentage and 0.00 goals against average. Perfect all the way around for the guy trying to prove he is worth more than a record-breaking $11 million a year.

We will have to see if he can keep up his shutout streak against the Utah Hockey Club at home for the Rangers home opener on Saturday. Curiosity looms as to whether the Rangers hopefuls will cheer his great start to the year, or boo his unwillingness to sign the record-breaking deal.