With the New York Rangers pushing for the playoffs and fighting to keep their season alive, they have begun to heavily rely on Igor Shesterkin.
The 29-year-old goalie started a career-high nine consecutive games before finally getting a rest on Saturday night when the Rangers took on the San Jose Sharks.
Shesterkin has been forced to adapt to a totally new schedule and increased workload, but he views this last stretch of the regular season as playoff-caliber games, which is why he’s embracing taking on a bigger role.
“Feel good, so I just stay focused,” Shesterkin said. “Don’t really get much rest. The playoffs start for us a little bit early.”
When the moments get bigger and the Rangers need him most, Shesterkin is the kind of player who elevates his game.
That’s exactly what he’s been able to do over the past few weeks as he attempts to propel his team into the postseason.
Shesterkin’s harshest critic is himself though and he isn’t satisfied with his recent play.
“Not at all,” Shesterkin said about if he feels he’s elevated his game. “In my mind I play good for myself. Of course, I can play better. Sometimes it’s a good day, sometimes it’s a bad day.”
In 55 games this season, Shesterkin has recorded a 24-26-5 record, 2.84 goals against average, and .906 save percentage.
Some may be concerned that even if the Rangers ultimately make the playoffs, Shesterkin will run out of gas due to the workload he’s had to take on.
However, Shesterkin feels that all of these games will better prepare him for the postseason, assuming the Rangers are able to squeak in.
“Of course it feels different because before you just play the game, enjoy and prepare for the playoffs and right now we are fighting for it,” Shesterkin said of the differences between this season and last season. “You never know what’s better because sometimes it’s good when you get into the playoffs at the last second and you are ready for the playoff games.”
This is Shesterkin’s time to show why he’s the highest-paid goalie in the NHL and most dominant goalie in the world.
