The New York Rangers have made a remarkable start to the 2024-25 season, boasting a 4-0-1 record after their first five games, and there is much to be excited about in their performance on Broadway.
Rangers forward Artemi Panarin is currently tied for the league lead with 12 points, while Alexis Lafreniere has tallied six points in his initial five games, indicating he may be in for a breakout season. In goal, Igor Shesterkin continues to excel, maintaining a 1.97 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage over four appearances. The Rangers are clearly on a roll, illustrated by their impressive +14 goal differential, placing them second in the NHL, only behind the unbeaten Winnipeg Jets.
During Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and Colby Cohen analyzed the Rangers’ strong start and how they compare with teams like the New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, and the rest of the Metropolitan Division.
Yaremchuk remarked that Shesterkin is a key factor in the Rangers’ success, emphasizing that despite the buzz around the New Jersey Devils, he believes the Rangers remain the top Cup contender from the Metro. He pointed out Shesterkin’s exceptional skills and Panarin’s outstanding production, claiming the Rangers have the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup in their division. “Am I crazy or am I right?” he asked.
Cohen agreed, stressing that it’s hard to overlook the current construction and performance of the Rangers, noting that having a standout goaltender is crucial. He expressed unwavering confidence in this notion, asserting that successful teams find a way to make it work if they have a strong goaltender. He acknowledged a contemporary trend where some believe in avoiding high expenditures on goaltending, but he countered that true elite goaltenders are rare—only a handful exist in the NHL.
Cohen also highlighted the importance of securing Shesterkin for the long term, suggesting the team must avoid letting him enter free agency, where teams like the Vegas Golden Knights could offer him substantial contracts in a tax-friendly market, leading to significantly higher take-home pay.
