Rangers coach provides positive Igor Shesterkin update for games after 4 Nations break
Igor Shesterkin is expected to be a full go this weekend when the New York Rangers come out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break. That means the 29-year-old goalie is available when the Rangers visit the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday and Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday after the two-week break in the regular-season schedule.
Shesterkin’s been dealing with an upper-body injury, but participated in a complete practice Thursday after spending 30 minutes on ice with his teammates the day before.
“Well, I expect him to be at practice tomorrow and then available for us for the weekend,” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said Thursday.
That was actually a mouthful from Laviolette considering all he said earlier in the week was that Shesterkin remained day to day.
This is the best possible outcome for the Rangers. Despite being hurt against the Penguins on Feb. 7, Shesterkin missed only one game because it was right before the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Rangers won that game, 4-3 over the Columbus Blue Jackets, one that Jonathan Quick was scheduled to start anyway since it was the second of a back to back.
Then Shesterkin got himself healthy the past week and a half and appears ready to play this weekend. The Rangers also have a road game at UBS Arena against the Islanders on Tuesday, making it three games in four days coming out of the break, though Quick should get one of those starts.
The Rangers are 11th in the Eastern Conference, three points out of the second wild card.
“Really it’s going to come down to how we finish,” Laviolette said of the playoff race. “I don’t think we could have any more confidence in our goaltender than we do. Both goaltenders to be honest.”
Related: J.T. Miller delighted President Trump called Team USA ahead of clash with Canada
Igor Shesterkin critical of his own play with Rangers
It hasn’t been the smoothest of seasons for Shesterkin, who’s had a pair of upper-body injuries mixed in with inconsistent results. He is 18-19-2 in 39 games this season with a 2.87 goals-against average, .906 save percentage and three shutouts. Though he’s had dominant stretches, Shesterkin also has struggled at times behind a leaky defense. He’s allowed four or more goals 13 times this season.
On Thursday, Shesterkin was asked by reporters how he views his season.
“Not good so far,” he replied.
When told about Shesterkin’s self-assessment, Laviolette didn’t pile on.
“We as a group can be critical of where we sit. It hasn’t been an easier season for us and I think sometimes players look at that and their own personal games, as well,” the coach explained. “We’ve got to play well down the stretch and win hockey games. That’s more than the goaltenders, that’s everybody in here.”
As for other business Thursday, Mika Zibanejad didn’t practice for a second day after he returned from the 4 Nations, where he played for Sweden. Laviolette expects him to be on the ice Friday. Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, also back from the tournament after playing for Finland, did practice.
The remaining four Rangers who are on Team USA have the 4 Nations championship game against Canada at TD Garden on Thursday and then will meet the rest of the Blueshirts in Buffalo on Friday.
More About:New York Rangers News