After he made 32 saves to help the New York Rangers beat the New Jersey Devils 3-1 on Friday, coach Gerard Gallant labelled netminder Igor Shesterkin as "unbelievable".
The Rangers, 15/1 to win the Stanley Cup, have won eight straight games and gone 7-2-1 in their past ten.
Netminder standing firm
The 26-year-old is 7-1-1 in his past nine starts and has allowed two or fewer goals in eight of them.
In 35 total starts this season, Shesterkin has recorded 27 wins and a league-leading .940 save percentage (of goalies who have played more than eight games). His 1.96 goals-against-average (GAA) ranks second in the NHL.
Related NHL News
NHL - US Sports: Kane wants to end career in Chicago
NHL - US Sports: Perry relishing Lightning opportunity
NHL - US Sports: Cassidy pleased secondary scoring
NHL - US Sports: Malkin getting better and better
Shesterkin was drafted in the fourth-round of the 2014 NHL draft by the Rangers and has established himself as their number one in his third season.
Shesterkin proving his worth
So far, in 78 NHL starts he has 53 wins, a .930 save percentage and 2.31 GAA, proving more than capable to carry the mantle long held by Henrik Lundqvist who had his jersey retired by the Rangers on 28th January.
Gallant was hired by the Rangers in June 2021 and has guided them to third place in the Metropolitan Division (35-15-5). Although admitting the Rangers are relying too heavily on their Hart Trophy contending goalie at current.
Gallant said of his performances to the media: "He's been unbelievable. I mean, seriously, how many Grade A chances did they (New Jersey) get? The rush chances they got, the Grade A chances, the breakaways, he's unbelievable."
Discover more from the world's favourite online betting brand
Win more with our US sports parlay bonus
