The 2026 Winter Olympics have wrapped up, and tonight, the New York Rangers are back on the ice facing off against the Philadelphia Flyers. All eyes are on the expected return of Igor Shesterkin, a sight that Rangers fans have been eagerly anticipating.
For months, the conversation around Shesterkin has centered on his hefty $92 million contract, with many questioning whether any goalie could justify an $11.5 million cap hit. Critics suggested the Rangers could achieve "good enough" results with a less expensive option.
However, the past 13 games without Shesterkin have been a rude awakening. The Rangers, missing their star goalie, found themselves in a defensive quagmire, allowing over six goals per game.
Jonathan Quick and Spencer Martin struggled under the pressure, unable to fill the void left by Shesterkin.
As Shesterkin gears up to lead the Rangers once more, the debate over his salary fades in light of a simple truth: much like the Henrik Lundqvist era, this team is adrift without their starting goaltender. Shesterkin's value to the team is undeniable and deserves far more recognition.
The harsh reality without Igor
Jonathan Quick took on most of the goaltending duties during Shesterkin's absence, but it was a tall order. At this stage in his career, Quick is best suited as a backup, and the increased workload proved overwhelming.
His record of 1-8-1, with a 4.25 goals against average and a .852 save percentage, highlights the challenge he faced. Given his age, no one would fault the 40-year-old if he chose to hang up his skates after this season.
Spencer Martin, on the other hand, made six appearances, going 1-3-0 with a 4.13 goals against average and a .863 save percentage. Coming from a stint in the KHL, it’s no surprise that Martin faced difficulties in adapting.
The impact of Igor's return
Shesterkin ranks fourth in the NHL for goals saved above average (GSAA) and eighth in goals saved above expected (GSAx), according to Evolving-Hockey. These cumulative stats are bolstered by his significant ice time, as he’s logged the 17th most minutes in the league this season.
Since entering the NHL, Shesterkin has consistently been a top performer, ranking third in GSAA (112.63) and GSAx (144.97), while playing the seventh most minutes. Despite a challenging defensive situation last year, the benefits of Mike Sullivan’s tactical adjustments are becoming evident.
This season may be a tough one for the Rangers, and losing games could ultimately benefit their draft prospects. However, with Shesterkin back, the losses are likely to be less severe, avoiding the kind of blowouts fans have recently endured.
Shesterkin’s return offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for fans. While the Rangers might still be on track for a lottery pick, having Igor in goal makes the journey a lot more watchable.