Through the past year, Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick have built a truly special friendship.
The New York Rangers brought in Jonathan Quick last year to be a reliable backup goalie for Igor Shesterkin.
And that’s exactly what he did as Quick started 26 games, recording an 18-6-2 record, 2.62 goals against average and .911 save percentage.
More importantly though, the two-time Stanley Cup champion has been a mentor for Shesterkin, something he greatly appreciates.
“Quick’s arrival had only a positive effect on me. He is a great goalie and person,” Shesterkin said in an interview with Daria Tuboltseva for Rg.com. “Quick can adjust to you. If you want, he can talk to you like an experienced guy and maybe even a best friend. It’s nice to have such a colleague with so much experience.”
When Shesterkin was going through a tough stretch during the regular season, it was Quick who was there for him and it was the veteran goalie who ultimately helped Shesterkin get back on track.
“John helped me find myself, calm down, and continue doing my job,” Shesterkin explained. “I watched him play, enjoyed it, and noticed something for myself. And step by step, I found my game.”
Shesterkin went on to play phenomenally in the playoffs, tallying a 2.34 goals against average and .927 save percentage while leading the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final.
It’s wholesome not only seeing Quick thrive in his new role, but the Rangers goaltenders being able to build a strong and unique bond.
It shows how selfless Quick truly is. Despite being one of the best goalies in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, Quick knows his role in New York and is willing to take a back seat for Shesterkin as he enters this new phase of his career.
