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Rangers Daily: Igor Shesterkin excitement; Kirill Kaprizov record deal
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- Rangers Daily: Igor Shesterkin excitement; Kirill Kaprizov record deal
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesDennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Igor Shesterkin was pretty darn good in the New York Rangers ’ 3-2 overtime win against the New York Islanders on Monday.
Yes, it’s the preseason. No, it’s not too early to get excited about the No. 1 Rangers goalie.
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Shesterkin stopped 21 of 22 shots over 40 minutes against the Islanders, before handing a 2-1 lead over to rookie Dylan Garand to start the third period. You’ve seen this script before — the Rangers were badly out-shot (22-11) and out-chanced (18-9), but Shesterkin was the best player out there, so they nursed a one-goal lead.
The Islanders had nearly a 70 percent expected goal share the first two periods, per Natural Stat Trick , but trailed by a goal because of Shesterkin’s difference-making play between the pipes.
Now, keep in mind that the Islanders dressed many of their regulars in this one. And the Rangers didn’t have most of their top players — like Adam Fox and the rest of their top-four on defense, plus forwards Artemia Panarin, J.T. Miller , Mika Zibanejad , Vincent Trocheck , and Alexis Lafreniere — in the lineup.
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So, this isn’t a rip job on Rangers struggles in all three zones. Instead, it’s a nod to the fact that Shesterkin’s having a very strong training camp and preseason (1.72 goals-against average, two goals allowed on 33 shots, in games).
And that’s a very good thing for the Rangers. Because at the end of the day, you can talk new coach, new-look power play, new collective attitude, new captain, promising play from a host of youngsters — the list goes on — but Shesterkin’s brilliance is right there at the top of most important factors if the Rangers are to recapture their mojo, and a playoff berth, this season.
Sure, his career-worst numbers last season (2.86 GAA, .905 save percentage) were due in large part to the atrocious and often-disinterested defensive play in front of him. But he wasn’t at his best, either (perhaps worn down by the team-wide dysfunction on and off the ice). That’s true despite ranking seventh in the NHL with 21.6 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck .
So, it’s OK to feel good about Igor’s sharp preseason. And it’s OK to feel hopeful about lies ahead this season.
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New York Rangers news and analysis
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Here are our key Rangers takeaways from their 3-2 overtime win against the Islanders.
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NHL news and rumors
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Minnesota Wild website: The Wild signed superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov to a massive eight-year, $136 million contract, with a record-setting $17 million average annual value.
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TSN: Bad news for the Winnipeg Jets , who will be without defenseman Dylan Samberg 6-8 weeks because of a broken wrist .
The Province: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander had ankle surgery Monday and is out 8-10 weeks.
Sportsnet: Ottawa Senators general manager Steve Staios says that “there’s good, positive dialogue” regarding a possible contract extension with forward Shane Pinto , who can be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of this season.
The Athletic ($$): Scott Powers reports that the Chicago Blackhawks are running out of patience with Lukas Reichel and that the young forward is being shopped on the trade market.
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Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers have no plans to rush highly-touted prospect Isaac Howard to the NHL, but that doesn’t mean the 21-year-old forward won’t be on their roster opening night.
Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McClellan delivered a scathing take on where some of the team’s top players are at a week before the regular season begins
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