Igor Shesterkin makes statement in a win over the Winnipeg Jets

Embed from Getty Images

By Jordan Laroche

Igor Shesterkin has been the backbone of this New York Rangers team this season, without him they are likely out of a playoff spot. Whether you follow advanced stats or not, Shesterkin leads NHL goalies in just about every statistical category including Save Percentage, Goals Against Average, Goals Saved Above Average and Goals Saved Above Expected.

Shesterkin has become a Hart Trophy candidate in recent weeks and Sunday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets improved his case. Shesterkin made 45 saves on 46 shots improving his record to 10-0-0 when making 40 saves or more. Shesterkin stole the show in Winnipeg, taking two points from a Jets team who is in dire need of wins.

This has been a weird season for the Jets, coming out of the gates hot, they have since struggled to win games. Now eight points out of a playoff spot the Jets will have some work to do in what could prove to be a tough stretch of upcoming games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Although the Rangers were outshot 46-22 it felt like they had control the entire game. A big reason for that was they jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on goals by Barclay Goodrow and Chris Kreider. Kreider continues his impressive season as he closes in on several Ranger records including single-season record in goals, PP goals, and can be the first Rangers draft pick with 60 points.

Nikolaj Ehlers has been one of the few bright spots for the Jets this season and scored his 14^th of the season Sunday night. Ehlers has missed some time this season only appearing in 36 games this season and will be a key piece for this team as they march towards the playoffs.

Two more Ranger goals by Kreider and Jacob Trouba in the third period would ice the game for the Blueshirts which will tie the Pittsburgh Penguins for second in the Metropolitan Division at 77 points. The Rangers will continue their road trip with games against the Minnesota Wild, the St. Louis Blues, and the Dallas Stars before returning home on the 15^th.

Box Score

1^st Period

G: Barclay Goodrow (12) A: Jacob Trouba (19) Filip Chytil (8)

G: Chris Kreider (37) A: Artemi Panarin (45) Adam Fox (48)

2^nd Period

G: Nikolaj Ehlers (14) A: Andrew Copp (19) Neal Pionk (23)

3^rd Period

G: Chris Kreider (38) A: Mika Zibanejad (36) Alexis Lafreniere (5)

G: Jacob Trouba (9) A: Artemi Panarin (46)