The Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially underway in the NHL and hockey fans are ecstatic. The first round has seen some teams dominate their opponents while other series have proven to be far more competitive. Teams like the Avalanche lead 2-0 while the Panthers and Capitals are all knotted up at one apiece. Another bout that is all tied up is the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins series. And Rangers' goalie Igor Shesterkin might just possess the ability to lead the Rangers to the promised land.
These two teams don't like each other one bit and many fans in the NHL realm are locked in on this battle.
The Penguins stole Game 1 on the road by a final score of 4-3. But New York roared back in Game 2 and won by a final mark of 5-2. The Rangers still expect to win this series but winning on the road in Pittsburgh is no easy task. However, the performance from Shesterkin in Game 2 should provide the team with plenty of confidence moving forward.
The net-minder surrendered just 2 goals on 41 shot attempts which was good for a .951 save percentage. His defensive prowess led the Rangers to the win.
But Igor Shesterkin has been posting big numbers all year long.
After inking a four-year, $22.7 million dollar contract prior to the start of the season, many wondered how the stability would affect Shesterkin's performance. Some players falter after receiving large contracts and others flourish.
It is safe to say that Shesterkin flourished in the first year of his deal.
He led all of hockey in save percentage with a mark of .935 and GAA with a mark of 2.07. That will play.
Shesterkin has a growing reputation as one of the best goalies in the NHL. Some people around the league even believe he is the best goalie. He certainly enjoyed the best season at the position.
And he has continued doing his thing in the postseason. It is clear that the bright lights of the Stanley Cup Playoffs aren't going to intimidate him.
In the thrilling Game 1, he made a jaw-dropping 79 saves before making 39 in Game 2. The 79 saves are the second most in postseason history.
The Rangers have their eyes on the prize and pursuing the Stanley Cup with a net-minder as reliable as Igor Shesterkin unquestionably provides an element of confidence.
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