Despite being bitter rivals, Igor Shesterkin And Sergei Bobrovsky are actually good friends off the ice.
Despite the New York Rangers’ heartbreaking Eastern Conference Final loss to the Florida Panthers, Igor Shesterkin was happy for one player.
It’s no secret that Shesterkin and fellow star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky are friends off the ice and have profound respect for each other.
When Bobrovsky’s Panthers defeated Shesterkin and the Rangers, the two goalies embraced one another with the utmost gratitude.
“We know each other, and after the game, we thanked each other for the series,” Shesterkin told RG.com. “I wished Sergei good luck in the final. We are not close friends, but I can always turn to him if I need something. And he can, too. But I don’t think Sergei can learn anything new from me.”
The Panthers ultimately won the Stanley Cup with Bobrovsky being a major proponent for their victory.
Shesterkin was happy for his friend and felt that Bobrovsky was well derseving of a championship.
“Bobrovsky deserved the Cup,” Shesterkin said. “I’m glad he managed to achieve this result. I hope it will be our turn now.”
Nonetheless, Shesterkin had strong feelings following the Rangers’ playoff loss that he plans on using as a learning lesson and motivation going into next season.
“I left Florida upset both times,” Shesterkin said. “The first time we played in the conference finals, we were a team no one believed in. No one expected us to achieve anything. Now, we entered the playoffs as the Presidents’ Trophy winners. Everyone expected a good result from us. We fought hard, but luck was not always on our side.”
It would be no surprise if Shesterkin and Bobrovsky are right back facing off head-to-head for a chance to compete in the Stanley Cup Final.
