New York Rangers starting goalie Igor Shesterkin seems to be on the precipice of becoming the highest paid goaltender in NHL history, but the 28-year-old is struggling as of late.
The Rangers as a whole have been on a significant skid, losing five of their last six games. To zoom out a little bit more, the Blueshirts have won only three of their past eight games, with backup goalie Jonathan Quick starting two of the three victories.
It would be completely unfair to saddle Shesterkin with all of the responsibility for the recent losses, but he certainly isn't without his share of blame. Over his last five starts, Shesterkin has amassed a record of 1-4-0, putting up a save percentage of just .875 in his only victory. In contrast, Quick has started six games this season, and has won five of them, earning an overall save percentage of .936 and a goals against average of 2.03.
This comparison between goalies has caused some Rangers fans to start to wonder about whether Shesterkin is worth a record setting contract, when he's being outplayed by a 38-year-old Quick.
Igor Shesterkin is turning out to be a pretty fair backup for starting @NYRangers goalie #JonathanQuick. A big difference. Quick gets shutouts and doesn't ask for crazy money. The Ka-Ching King is figuring how to break the bank with -- how about -- $12.5 million?
— Stan Fischler (@StanFischler) November 18, 2024
(Just askin').
Now obviously, it wouldn't be a responsible move for the Rangers to move forward relying on a goalie nearing retirement as their long-term starter.
Shesterkin has proved himself to be one of the best goalies on the planet and, while even the best goalies go on skids from time to time, it's time for his record to reflect his talent level.
Tonight, the Rangers welcome their biggest rival in the New Jersey Devils to Madison Square Garden and Shesterkin has the opportunity to finally get up off the mat, get an important win, and help build the momentum of his team moving forward.
A win over a rival may be exactly what the Blueshirts need to turn this skid around, and a memorable performance from Shesterkin would go a long way to restoring the confidence of Rangers fans everywhere.