Igor Shesterkin and his youth were called into question when he was pulled from two straight starts in Pittsburgh last round, but now, he is back to his identity as the Rangers cornerstone, and the key to getting New York back in the series.
Desperately looking to grab momentum back on home ice, Shesterkin made 35 stops in the first two periods of play, shouldering the load while New York made a point to push the offensive envelope and finally get on the board in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Much of the talk after Sunday’s game three win was about the offense finally coming alive after six straight periods without a goal, but the Blueshirts were all quick to praise their star netminder.
“Igor was outstanding for us,” head coach Gerard Gallant said. “That was the key.
“Exactly what we expected. He’s been outstanding. You don’t want to rely on him that much, we have to play a little bit more defense, but the offense was better, and that was key for us.”
Shesterkin helped keep the Blueshirts in both games one and two, when the offense couldn’t get anything going, but with even a little bit of help, he was able to do enough to get the Rangers a win, hear his name chanted by the MSG crowd, and potentially save New York’s season in what was a must-win game three.
“That’s something we’ve talked about, how much confidence he instills in us, especially when he’s making hard saves look easy,” Chris Kreider said. “With that being said, we still have to keep the foot on the gas when we get up. Can’t let them generate chances and tilt the ice. We need to forecheck and…make it easier on Igor when we get that lead.”
The Rangers know they have to do more to help Shesterkin, but even if there has been more weight on his shoulders to carry the load and the keep the team in a competitive position, Shesterkin says he is not feeling any added pressure.
“I wouldn't say that I feel any pressure as a player,” Shesterkin said through his interpreter. “I do understand the gravity of the situation. This city, this team definitely deserves a cup and we're giving our best to try to make that happen.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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