The New York Rangers announced that star rookie netminder Igor Shesterkin is day-to-day with a mild groin strain.
UPDATE: G Igor Shesterkin is day-to-day with a mild groin strain.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 5, 2021
Igor Shesterkin Injured
On a late third-period shorthanded rush by the New Jersey Devils, Shesterkin went sprawling across the ice to save a shot from Damon Severson. In doing so, he seemingly stretched himself too far and appeared in serious pain afterward. As a result, he had to be helped off the ice by two teammates and Rangers’ medical trainer, Jim Ramsay. He was not putting any weight on his right leg.
So far this season, Shesterkin has played 14 games and posted a 5-7-1 record. He has recorded a .917 save percentage and 2.40 goals-against average. Additionally, he has 1.67 goals saved above expected, according to EvolvingHockey.
Over the course of his short NHL career, he has played 26 games, posting a record of 15-9-1. He boasts a career save percentage of .925 and a goals-against-average of 2.46. His career total of goals above expected is 7.57.
What This Means for the Future
Going forward, the Rangers should be expected to carry a goaltending tandem of Alexandar Georgiev and Keith Kinkaid. Losing their starting goaltender in Shesterkin is a devastating blow, but they are in good hands. Georgiev and Kinkaid both have plenty of NHL experience, having played 85 and 157 games respectively. Until Shesterkin returns, Georgiev will be the starter in New York.
So far this season, Georgiev has posted a 3-2-2 record in eight games played, posting a .907 save percentage. He has posted a shutout and has a goals-against-average of 2.79.
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Kinkaid, who has yet to play for the Rangers in his career, has played for the Devils and most recently the Montreal Canadiens. In total, he has a 65-56-20 record as a backup. He has a .905 career save percentage and a goals-against-average of 2.95.
While Georgiev is certainly a very solid goalie, he has not quite played at the same level as Shesterkin this year. Therefore, more responsibility will fall on the defence, which has been solid thus far this year. Led by their excellent top pair of Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren, they will certainly have to maintain a high level of play if they want to continue their success despite Shesterkin’s injury. Nonetheless, Alex Georgiev is a very capable young goaltender that can be counted on to hold the fort during this time for the team.
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