Three reasons the Rangers will be taking a big step forward this season
By Jim Lynch
The New York Rangers have their star goalie, Igor Shesterkin.
Igor Shesterkin is still the goalie in net for the New York Rangers. The last time I checked, that is all that really matters for this team. Shesterkin put up MVP-caliber numbers in 2021-22 and was rewarded with the Vezina Trophy. I personally think it shouldn’t have stopped with just the Vezina for Shesterkin.
He had a remarkable season putting up 36 wins and putting up a .935 save percentage having played in 53 games. He had six shutouts and put up some pretty remarkable numbers in the playoffs as well after he got through the Penguins who caused some issues.
Shesterkin is still the guy that will back-stop this team to victory. Their backup, Jaroslav Halak is a fine backup despite being 37 and is someone the team can count on to win a few games and give Shesterkin a rest.
This team is electric in the offensive zone when they know they can take chances that their netminder will bail them out on if the play goes the other way, and more of that in 2022-23 will ensure this team takes a big step forward.