New York Rangers goalie outlook for 2022-23: Lots of Igor Shesterkin
When it comes to the New York Rangers outlook in goal, it’s a whole lot of Igor Shesterkin in 2022-23.
For Gerard Gallant, there’s almost no decision to be made here to start the season after signing Jaroslav Halak as the backup. However, an intriguing and unexpected signing this summer was Louis Domingue.
Should Halak falter, Domingue could quickly become the answer as Shesterkin’s backup.
Here’s our previous articles:
- Rangers outlook at Right Wing
- Rangers outlook at Left Wing
- Rangers outlook at Center
- Rangers outlook at Defense
New York Rangers lineup: G
Igor Shesterkin (Starter)
Shesty, as he’s affectionately known, took home his first Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie by a landslide this past season. Out of 32 NHL general managers, he received 29 first-place votes to beat out Jacob Markstrom of the Calgary Flames and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators.
The 26 year-old had a monster season with a 36-13-4 record leading the league in both GAA (2.07) and SV% (.935). In 2021-22, Shesterkin made 53 appearances, but would’ve likely played more if not for a midseason groin injury.
This upcoming season, I would expect that he will likely start close to 60 games for the Blueshirts. He’s currently the odds on favorite to win another Vezina title.
Jaroslav Halak (Backup)
This season, Igor will have a new partner to tend goal. Alexandar Georgiev is now a member of the Colorado Avalanche after a trade and veteran Jaroslav Halak signed a one year-deal for $1.5M as a free agent on July 13.
Halak, 37, posted a 4-7-2 record with a .903 SV% and a 2.94 GAA in a limited role with the Canucks last season. For his career, Halak has appeared in 556 games and boasts a record of 285-180-64 with 52 shutouts. The veteran goalie is also a battler with a career .916 SV% and a 2.49 GAA.
The Rangers probably signed him as their new backup so they wouldn’t have to face him anymore. Halak is 24-9-1 for his career against the Rangers. By far the most wins against any team he’s faced (two teams tied at 15).
“Competition with any goalkeeper should spur you on, because without it there is no professional growth,” Shesterkin said this summer. “Now our team has signed Jaroslav Halak. I am sure that the competition will also be serious, plus you can learn something from him, as he is a very experienced goalkeeper. And I wish Alexander Georgiev only good luck.”
Louis Domingue could be a factor
Louis Domingue (Third Goalie)
When the Rangers signed another backup goalie in free agency, it certainly raised some eyebrows.
Louis Domingue, who certainly impressed them during their first round matchup in the playoffs, inked a 2 year-deal with an AAV of $775,000. In the Rangers series comeback against the Penguins down 3 games to 1, he posted a 3-3 record for Pittsburgh.
Domingue, 30, has a record of 59-60-10 in 142 career appearances. His GAA of 3.04 and SV% of .905 are also respectable for a backup. He should play a key role for the Rangers AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack to start the season.
He’s without a doubt an excellent insurance policy.
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