Igor Shesterkin opened up about his hot start to the season and what he wants to do moving forward with the Rangers.
The New York Rangers currently hold an 8-2-1 record, with Igor Shesterkin largely due for the team’s early success. Shesterkin has been playing at a Vezina Trophy type of level and there is no other way to put it. Through nine games, the 28-year-old has recorded a 6-2-1 record, 2.22 goals against average and .933 save percentage. It’s his unique mindset and drive to be the best version of himself that makes Shesterkin so dominant. “I just need to keep doing what I do,” Shesterkin said. “Just try to be better everyday. Practice hard, play hard and try to reach my goal.”
What is Shesterkin’s goal exactly?
There are probably many goals in Shesterkin’s mind that he wants to achieve including becoming the highest paid goalie in NHL history, but more importantly helping the Rangers capture their first Stanley Cup in over 30 years.
If any one goalie is able to take the Rangers to the promised land, it’s Shesterkin.
He doesn't just play well usually, but he does it in a way that is flashy and screams showtime in every way.
Each night he starts, Shesterkin seems to make these crazy acrobatic saves that bring the crowd at Madison Square Garden to their feet. Chants of “Igor, Igor, Igor” echo through the arena as Shesterkin has turned the world's most famous sports venue into his own personal house.
“I’ve always said those are special moments,” Shesterkin said about hearing the crowd chant his name. “It’s a great feeling and amazing to hear it so I appreciate them for everything that the fans do for me.”
Being around Shesterkin, it’s clear how locked in he is and laser focused on the task at hand. It’s both the energy that he brings to the rink everyday and his style of play that makes him one of the premier goalies in the NHL.
Peter Laviolette has been impressed with the dominance displayed by Shesterkin.
“There were a couple games where he got us two points,” Laviolette said of Shesterkin. “He seems like he’s on point with his game right now, very dialed in, very focused, he sees everything really well.”
Shesterkin is playing at a historic level and if he continues at this pace, he’ll not only receive one of the richest contracts in league history, but can take the Rangers to places that fans have dreamed of for many years.
