Rangers Practice Buzz: Igor Shesterkin attempts to slay Kraken; Reaves leaves morning skate; and Lundkvist likely scratch

igor shesterkin rangers
Apr 20, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin (31) reacts during the third period against the New York Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers completed their morning skate as they get set to take on the Seattle Kraken for the first time in franchise history.

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET at Climate Pledge Arena, and Igor Shesterkin has been named the Rangers starting goalie.

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New York Rangers Lineup versus Kraken

Igor Shesterkin recorded his third career shutout against Columbus. His stats are now 4-1-1 on the season with a .944 save percentage and 1.81 goals against average.

“He’s athletic, he’s strong, and everything seemed to hit him in the chest,” Gallant said of Shesterkin performance on Friday. “I think he’s one of the top goalies in the league, no doubt.”

Shesterkin also became the 5th fastest NYR goalie to hit 30 wins in his career.

  1. Henrik Lundqvist (30 wins in 51 games)
  2. Jim Henry (51 games)
  3. Cam Talbot (52)
  4. Lorne Chabot (52)
  5. Igor Shesterkin (53)

Gerard Gallant hinted at some other possible lineup changes, and it looks like Jarred Tinordi could be stepping in for Nils Lundkvist tonight against the Kraken. The head coach would not confirm.

Ryan Reaves leaves morning skate frustrated

ryan reaves
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Forward Ryan Reaves, who has racked up nearly 1,000 penalty minutes in his NHL career, suffered an undisclosed lower-body injury in a 5-1 loss Monday against Calgary and was placed on injured reserve Thursday night. The hope is he can play against the Oilers on Friday, which is the soonest he could be eligible.

At the morning skate, he left the ice early slamming his stick in frustration per Newsday’s Colin Stephenson. The head coach relayed he didn’t make the injury worse, he’s just frustrated it wasn’t better.

“He’s a big guy, he’s played well for us,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said before leaving for Seattle. “He’s done a good job. It’s a part of the game and injuries happen all the time. So we’re just going to put somebody else in there and go play the game.”

Reaves, 34, remains day-to-day.

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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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