The New York Rangers have grabbed five out of a possible six points since the injury to star defenseman Adam Fox, and recently took the best team in hockey, the Colorado Avalanche, to overtime on Saturday. Now, after goaltender Igor Shesterkin made his seventh consecutive start, back up goaltender Jonathan Quick is off the injured reserve list and may see action against the Vegas Golden Knights.
But, what if it were to be best if Quick stay on the sideline for one more game. Would it be smart to keep him sidelined, or what if Shesterkin was to get hurt or put up a bad performance?
Let's talk about it.
One more start for Shesty?
Shesterkin has been electric over his last seven starts. He has been a key reason why this Rangers team is hanging with the rest of the pack in the Metropolitan Division, and will be the reason why they end up where they end up when the 2025-26 season concludes.
Quick has also been a stellar backup goaltender, holding his own as he rapidly approaches the next decade of his life, his 40s. He missed a good bit of time, and if he were to slide back in against Vegas on Sunday, on a back-to-back, it might be disastrous.
Shesterkin has been red hot as of late, and let us not forget how much money he is making per season. He should be able to play both games of a back-to-back. there is no if's, and's, or but's about it. He should be in the contest, and putting up a solid performance.
Vegas is a solid team
In the same category as the Colorado Avalanche, as in unworldly start to the 2025-26 season, the Vegas Golden Knights have been a solid team thus far. Led by Jack Eichel, they have made some news in the Pacific Division. They are also riding a solid three-game winning streak.
The Ranges are going to need Shesterkin in net and not Quick, against the Golden Knights. Quick can hold his own, but the Rangers need to start their starter against a top team in the NHL. They cannot afford to drop any points in this matchup.