Some Rangers fans worried when Igor Shesterkin opened the 2020-21 season with a .894 save percentage in January. After posting a sensational .932 save percentage in a 12-game cameo last season, there was some concern that the 25-year-old netminder could be headed for a sophomore slump.
Shesterkin’s play in February is proof that last season’s sparkling shot-stopping wasn’t a fluke. His latest performance was a steely, 35-save effort in Wednesday’s 4-3 road defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers. Aside from an uncharacteristic goal against where he failed to square up his body to cover the top corner on Kevin Hayes’ late second period goal, Shesterkin moved heaven and earth to keep the Blueshirts in the contest.
The Calder Trophy candidate has sizzled this month by maintaining a .932 save percentage through seven February games. With the Rangers having two games remaining in the month against the Boston Bruins, Shesterkin appears to be on the right track. Overall, his seasonal save percentage stands at .919.
Though Alexandar Georgiev has appeared in six games and will start against the Bruins on Friday, it’s clear that Shesterkin is qualified to follow in the footsteps of Henrik Lundqvist as a franchise goaltender.
Lundqvist set the bar extremely high during a 15-year stay at Madison Square Garden by recording a .918 save percentage in 887 regular season games. Currently signed to the Washington Capitals and recovering from open-heart surgery, Lundqvist will always be considered a legendary figure in Rangers history. The 38-year-old owns several Rangers records, including wins (459), shutouts (64), playoff wins (61), and playoff shutouts (10).
Although Shesterkin’s .926 save percentage through his first 24 NHL games is a small sample, his talent and his ability to elevate his game under pressure bodes well for the future. It’s entirely possible that Shesterkin emulates Lundqvist by becoming a bedrock presence between the pipes for a decade or greater while leading the Rangers to memorable victories.
Follow Sean Hartnett on Twitter: @HartnettHockey
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