Igor Shesterkin is out 1-2 weeks for the New York Rangers with an upper-body injury. The goalie started Friday and made 23 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden. He stayed down on the ice after a net-front scramble late in the first period and the Rangers’ trainer came out to check on him, but Shesterkin stayed in the game.
Shesterkin is 18-19-2 with a 2.87 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage and three shutouts in 39 games this season.Jonathan Quick made 22 saves for New York in a 4-3 win at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, its last game before the 4 Nations Face-Off (Feb. 12-20). The Rangers will return Feb. 22 at the Buffalo Sabres.
“You don’t want to see any of our players go down with injuries,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said, “but where there is a little bit of time coming up here, that’s useful. There’s no games being played, so that’s a useful thing.”
Goalie Dylan Garand was recalled from Hartford of the American Hockey League and backed up Quick on Saturday.
igor Shesterkin’s Injury Impact on New York Rangers
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In a recent development, Igor Shesterkin, the New york Rangers’ star goaltender, has been sidelined with an upper-body injury. this news has meaningful implications for the team as they prepare for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off and subsequent games.
Interview with NHL Analyst, Mike Krieger
Senior Editor (SE): Mike, thanks for joining us today. Can you provide some insights into Igor Shesterkin’s injury and its potential impact on the New York Rangers?
Assessing the Injury
Mike Krieger (MK): Thanks for having me. Igor Shesterkin is undoubtedly a key player for the Rangers. an upper-body injury, especially for a goalie, can range widely in severity, but the fact that he’ll be out for 1-2 weeks suggests it’s not too severe. Though, any injury to a starting goalie is a significant concern.
performance Stats
SE: What do you make of his season so far? His stats show he’s had a mix of successes and challenges.
MK: Yes, Shesterkin has had a solid season despite some fluctuations in performance. With an 18-19-2 record, a 2.87 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage, he’s shown he can be a reliable goalie, but there’s room for betterment. The three shutouts prove his capability to dominate games.
Jonathan Swift’s Role
SE: With Shesterkin out, Jonathan Quick will likely see more action. How do you see him fitting into this adjustment?
MK: Jonathan Quick has been a veteran presence and a reliable backup. His performance in the recent win against the Columbus Blue Jackets was commendable, making 22 saves. He’ll need to step up in Shesterkin’s absence and provide stability to prevent any significant drop in performance.
Coach Laviolette’s Perspective
SE: Rangers coach Peter Laviolette mentioned that the timing of the injury could be useful due to the absence of games during the 4 Nations Face-off. What’s your take on that?
MK: Coach Laviolette’s assessment is spot-on. The break is actually a blessing in disguise. It allows Shesterkin some time to recuperate without missing game time. It also gives Quick the chance to get some more practice and ensure smooth transitions, minimizing any disruptions when Shesterkin returns.
Dylan Garand’s Recall
SE: Dylan Garand was recalled from the Hartford team in the American Hockey League. What kind of impact do you think he could have?
MK: Garand’s recall is essential for depth and provides a backup plan if Quick encounters any issues. Coming from the AHL, he might need some time to acclimatize, but his presence is crucial for maintaining the goalie rotation and keeping the team flexible.
Takeaways
SE: Mike, what are the main takeaways from this situation and how shoudl the Rangers approach this challenge?
MK: The Rangers need to focus on maintaining their concentration and teamwork. Quick and garand will need to fill Shesterkin’s shoes temporarily,ensuring they sustain the overall excellence of the team. The upcoming break gives them a perfect opportunity to rest and strategize for their return on February 22.
SE: Thanks, Mike, for these valuable insights. It’s been truly informative.
