Few saw Igor Shesterkin turning his fortunes around
Few elite goaltenders had it as tough as Igor Shesterkin earlier this season when he was allowing nearly three goals per game with a save percentage just over the 0.900 mark. It was a far cry from what we saw in what is now two seasons since he won the Vezina and finished third for the Hart Trophy, but Shesterkin was kind enough to remind the NHL universe just how good of a goaltender he is.
Shesterkin ended the year with a healthy 0.912 save percentage and a 2.58 GAA, plus four shutouts. They weren’t his best numbers, and the 0.912 save percentage is a career-worst. But considering how pedestrian the first half of the season was for a player at the standard he’s set in the past, it was more than surprising to see him turn things around during a time when it looked like his backup, Jonathan Quick, appeared to be the better netminder.
Shesterkin should have restored faith in anyone who doubted him through most of what remained in the 2023 calendar year. He’s back on form, and thanks to the Rangers high-scoring units, should have a bit of a cushion if his struggles re-emerge. But if they don’t, expect to see something resembling the 2022 Vezina winner during a time when the stakes are at their highest.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)