Igor Shesterkin’s shootout success for Rangers reaching elite levels
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After three Penguins failed to score on Igor Shesterkin during the shootout in the Rangers victory Saturday, the star Russian netminder’s .738 save percentage in the skills competition is the best in franchise history.
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Stopping 62 of the 84 shootout attempts he’s faced in his seven-year NHL career, Shesterkin is No. 5 in the league since making his debut during the 2019-20 season.
He trails only Juuse Saros (.806), Elvis Merzlikins (.747), Jordan Binnington (.705) and Jake Oettinger (.739).
“It’s comforting, I’m not gonna lie,” head coach Mike Sullivan said of having Shesterkin in net for a shootout. “I think he’s the best goalie in the game. Just this compete level. He’s an elite player, and so it’s comforting to have him between the pipes, whether it be in the shootout or anytime, for that matter. He has the ability to change the outcome of a game.”
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Saturday was Shesterkin’s second game back in goal after a 13-game absence due to a lower-body injury.
Igor Shesterkin makes a save during the Rangers’ shootout win Feb. 28. Imagn Images
He has stopped 52 of 57 shots since returning to the crease, bringing his season save percentage to .913.
These are also Shesterkin’s first days around the Rangers without Artemi Panarin, who has been his teammate in New York since his first recall in January 2020.
“He’s one of the best players in the league,” Shesterkin said of his compatriot. “Of course, it’s pretty tough for us to lose a player of that caliber. I hope he enjoys the trade. We wish him all the best.”
Asked how much Shesterkin is going to play over these final 23 games, Sullivan insinuated it would be decided in collaboration with the 30-year-old.
“We’ll talk with Shesky, and we’ll manage it together,” the…
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