New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin had a tough night on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 28-year-old Russian was pulled from the game in the second period after allowing five goals on just 12 shots. This was a surprising turn of events for Shesterkin, who had been playing exceptionally well this season with a 6-2-1 record and a 2.22 goals-against average.
Things started going downhill for Shesterkin early in the game, as Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin scored just 26 seconds into the first period. The real trouble came in the second period when Shesterkin gave up four more goals, including three in a span of just 2 minutes and 12 seconds. Dylan Cozens, Tage Thompson, Jordan Greenway, and Sam Lafferty all found the back of the net, putting the Sabres up 5-0. Shesterkin was eventually replaced by Jonathan Quick with 6:09 left in the period after Lafferty scored his second goal of the game.
The Rangers ended up losing the game 6-1, marking their third loss of the season. Defenseman and captain Jacob Trouba acknowledged that the team had been heavily relying on Shesterkin’s strong performances in previous games. He emphasized the need for the team to step up and provide better support to their goalie, especially in terms of limiting quality scoring chances for the opposition.
Defenseman Adam Fox echoed Trouba’s sentiments, admitting that the team had let Shesterkin down with their subpar performance. Shesterkin, who won the Vezina Trophy for being the league’s best goaltender in the 2021-22 season, has been a key player for the Rangers in recent years. He has consistently posted impressive stats and played a significant role in the team’s success.
As Shesterkin approaches the end of his current contract, there have been discussions about his future with the team and the possibility of becoming the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. His performance in games like the one against the Sabres will likely factor into contract negotiations and decisions regarding his future in New York. Despite this setback, Shesterkin’s track record and potential for greatness will undoubtedly make him a highly sought-after player in the league.