Igor Shesterkin takes home 2022 Vezina Trophy, announces baby on the way

Igor Shesterkin
Mar 4, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) is recognized by fans after a 3-1 win against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
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New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin beat out Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators to be named the 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner.

The award is given annually to the goaltender “adjudged to be the best at his position,” and voted on by all 32 NHL general managers. Shesterkin secured 29 first-place votes and 3 second place votes.

“It’s a great honor for me to be here,” Shesterkin said. “I want to say to Just Saros and Jacob Markstrom you’re both incredible goalies and could each be standing here right now.”

The 26 year-old went on to thanks his teammates, coaches, and the organization.

“It’s good to play on the New York Rangers, incredible feelings,” Shesterkin added. “I would like to thank Rangers fans. It was my dream to play in the NHL and to play in front of you at MSG was incredible. To my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today with your love and guidance. And to my beautiful wife for her support. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be here tonight because we are having a baby soon. What a year. Thank you.”

Shesterkin wins Vezina

new york rangers
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers press release:

NEW YORK, June 21, 2022 – New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin has been awarded the Vezina Trophy, given “to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position,” as selected by NHL general managers. Shesterkin is the sixth Ranger to earn the honor, joining Henrik Lundqvist (2011-12), John Vanbiesbrouck (1985-86), Ed Giacomin & Gilles Villemure* (1970-71), and Dave Kerr (1939-40). *Of note, prior to 1981-82 the Vezina Trophy was given to the goaltender(s) of the team that allowed the fewest goals in the NHL – now that award is the William M. Jennings Trophy.

In 2021-22, Shesterkin, 26, led the NHL with a 2.07 goals-against average and .935 save percentage, while tallying a 36-13-4 record and six shutouts. He became the third goaltender in NHL history (min. 50 appearances) to post a save percentage of .935 or higher in a single season, joining Tim Thomas (2010-11 – .938) and Dominik Hasek (1998-99 – .937). Shesterkin’s 36 wins ranked sixth in the NHL and his six shutouts ranked third in the league.

Shesterkin became the fifth goaltender since 2002-03 to guide his team to the third round of the postseason in the same season he won the Vezina Trophy. The previous four goalies were Marc-Andre Fleury (2020-21- VGK), Henrik Lundqvist (2011-12 – NYR), Tim Thomas (2010-11 – BOS), and Martin Brodeur (2002-03 – NJD).

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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