Rangers coach provides optimistic update on Igor Shesterkin ahead of games after the 4 Nations break
Igor Shesterkin is expected to be fully available this weekend when the New York Rangers resume play following the 4 Nations Face-Off break. The 29-year-old goalie will be ready for the Rangers’ games against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, after the two-week pause in the regular season.
Shesterkin, who has been recovering from an upper-body injury, took part in a full practice on Thursday after skating with his teammates for 30 minutes the day before. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette mentioned on Thursday, “I expect him to practice tomorrow and be available for the weekend.”
This is a significant improvement for the Rangers. Although Shesterkin sustained an injury against the Penguins on February 7, he missed only one game, as it came just before the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Rangers won that game 4-3 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with Jonathan Quick starting, as it was the second game of a back-to-back.
Shesterkin has since recovered over the past week and a half and looks ready to play this weekend. The Rangers also have a road game on Tuesday against the Islanders at UBS Arena, making it a busy stretch with three games in four days, although Quick will likely start one of those.
The Rangers are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, just three points out of the second wild card spot.
Laviolette noted, “Really, it’s going to come down to how we finish. I don’t think we could have any more confidence in our goaltender than we do. Both goaltenders, to be honest.” While it hasn’t been the easiest season for Shesterkin, who’s dealt with upper-body injuries and inconsistent performances, he holds a record of 18-19-2 in 39 games, with a 2.87 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage, and three shutouts. Despite some dominant stretches, he has also struggled at times with a porous defense, allowing four or more goals in 13 games this season.
When asked about his season, Shesterkin simply said, “Not good so far.”
In response to this, Laviolette didn’t overemphasize Shesterkin’s remarks. “As a group, we can be critical of where we sit. It hasn’t been an easier season for us, and sometimes players look at their own games in that context,” the coach explained. “We’ve got to play well down the stretch and win games. That’s on everyone, not just the goaltenders.”
