The New York Rangers have achieved a record of 12-5-1, even with a few star players underperforming and defensive weaknesses. The key to their early success this season has been the outstanding performance of goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick, who are at different stages in their careers but have both excelled in their roles. This duo has led the league with the highest team save percentage (SV%) in the NHL at .924 and has made critical saves in tight games.
**Igor Shesterkin’s Season Performance**
During the last postseason, Shesterkin posted a .926 SV% and a 2.34 goals-against average (GAA) over 16 games, maintaining that high level of play at the season’s start. He recorded a shutout against the Pittsburgh Penguins, making 31 saves in a 6-0 victory on October 9. Shesterkin has shown strong game awareness, battling through screens, and maintaining composure even when the team is struggling defensively. In a 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on November 21, he saved 19 of 20 shots in the first period and finished the game with 46 stops on 49 shots, with the decisive goal deflecting off Kaapo Kakko’s stick. His agility was evident as he made several key saves following cross-ice plays and contributed significantly during penalty kills.
While the Rangers have been impressive on offense, Shesterkin’s efforts have been crucial in keeping them competitive during games. He saved 31 of 32 shots in a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on October 14 and followed that with 34 saves in another 4-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 19, where he was instrumental despite the team’s overall performance.
Shesterkin’s ability to make big saves in crucial moments has also been a highlight, as he stopped all eight shots faced in the final seven minutes of a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on November 1 and then held strong in a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks on November 19, where he blocked all seven shots he faced in the third period.
Currently, Shesterkin holds an 8-5-1 record with a .914 SV% and a 2.82 GAA. Although he experienced two challenging games, allowing five goals against the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets, he has only let in 28 goals in his other 12 outings.
**Jonathan Quick’s Season Performance**
Last season, Quick had a mixed experience, playing for both the Los Angeles Kings and the Vegas Golden Knights, finishing with a 16-15-6 record, a .882 SV%, and a 3.41 GAA. However, at age 38, he rebounded with an 18-6-2 record and a .911 SV% with the Rangers, earning a contract extension.
This season, Quick has performed excellently in all five games, consistently allowing no more than two goals per game while making impressive, timely saves on rebound opportunities and odd-man rushes. He recorded 29 saves against the Red Wings in a 5-2 victory on October 17 and followed with 31 saves in a close 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on October 26. His last two starts resulted in shutouts, stopping 37 shots in a 4-0 win over the Red Wings on November 9 and 24 shots in a 2-0 victory against the Seattle Kraken on November 17. Despite the Rangers being outplayed in the 4-0 win, Quick’s standout saves helped secure the game.
Despite a tough last season, Quick has thrived as the Rangers’ backup. His contributions were vital to the team’s success in winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season and have played a role in their strong start this season.
**What’s Next for the Rangers**
Looking ahead, the Rangers face a significant decision as Shesterkin is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at season’s end. His impressive postseason statistics and strong early-season performance have boosted his value. Quick is also approaching free agency, and if he continues his solid play, he may earn another contract extension as well.
Currently, the Rangers need both goaltenders to sustain their outstanding performance from the first 18 games. However, the team must also improve defensively to alleviate some pressure off Shesterkin and Quick moving forward.
