Igor Shesterkin shows he's still the best goaltender in hockey despite struggles

Igor Shesterkin's performance in the Rangers' 3-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, wasn't flashy, but it was effective — and, given the circumstances, that's what mattered.

Following up on Jonathan Quick's milestone 400th win and the emotional tribute at MSG, Shesterkin was pressured to deliver. He wasn't overly busy, facing just 17 shots, but he had to stay sharp, especially after allowing two quick ones in 16 seconds for a 2-1 B's lead.

The first goal wasn't on him; Pastrnak's initial shot caught K'Andre Miller in the hand, and while Miller recovered, Pastrnak stayed with the play and buried it high. Moments later, a weird bounce off Adam Fox left Shesterkin scrambling. It was not great, but it was also on his part. However, he didn't let those goals spiral into something worse. He settled in, made a few timely stops, and helped the Blueshirts lock down the win, with Chris Kreider's shorty from Mika Zibanejad being the dagger.

The bottom line for all the noise about Shesterkin's contract or his supposed inconsistency is this: When the games matter, he shows up. His playoff numbers speak for themselves, and if the Rangers are going to make a serious push, it starts with him getting hot.

This season has been a grind, but let's not forget who we're talking about here. Shesterkin is in the final year of his four-year, $22.6 million contract and could have become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. The Rangers didn't let that happen. The new 8-year, $92 million deal makes him the highest-paid goalie in the NHL, and for good reason. Since becoming the full-time starter, he's been the backbone of this team. He led them to the Eastern Conference Final twice, won a Vezina Trophy in 2021-22, and even finished third in Hart Trophy voting that year.

Simply put, the Rangers are not the same team without him.

We'd also be remiss to skip his playoff numbers because that's where Shesterkin has proven his worth. In 16 postseason games last year, he posted a .927 save percentage and a 2.34 GAA. Over his entire playoff career, he leads all goalies with at least 20 starts in both save percentage (.929) and goals saved above average (29.75). The next closest is 2023 Stanley Cup Champion Adin Hill, at less than half of Shesterkin's total.

The reality is that this team has had its flaws at five-on-five for years. Shesterkin has masked them for years, stealing games that had no business being won. It would have been a massive step backward if the Rangers lost him in free agency. If they end their 30-year Cup drought in the next eight seasons, their best bet is with No. 31 between the pipes.

Last season, he struggled in the first half, but after taking a week off following the All-Star break, he rebounded in dominance, posting a 2.20 GAA and .930 save percentage with four shutouts in his final 23 games. Like last year, the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off could be another reset. When Shesterkin is at his best, the Blueshirts are legitimate playoff contenders.

Yes, New York has to pass five teams to reach the playoffs with 29 games left, and there's no guarantee they'll get there. But if they qualify, there's no other goalie you'd rather have in the net than the Shesterkinator.