Rangers Roundup: Igor Shesterkin off IR return imminent; Vitali Kravtsov to taxi squad, and more
The return of Igor Shesterkin is close and could be as soon as tomorrow against the Flyers. The 25 year-old was activated off injured reserve late yesterday per CapFriendly. He has ben out of action since March 5th after sustaining a mild groin strain against the Devils.
This season, “Shesty” as his teammates call him is tied for 9th in the league with a .921 SV%. His GAA of 2.31 is good for 12th and among rookies goalies his SV% is tied for second.
Vitali Kravtsov debut coming
It won’t be long now. After clearing all his COVID protocols, Kravtsov skated yesterday with the extras and was moved to the taxi squad last night. He should be a full participant in practice today and could make his debut soon.
The question now remains when we can expect the 21 year-old to play his first NHL game. According to Kris Knoblauch who coached him in Hartford last season, he thinks it will take some practices before he’s inserted into the lineup.
“I anticipate with him being here, he’s going to make the team better. What his role is in the future, I don’t know. There’s going to be some practices and getting him up to game speed with the systems and just the speed of play. But I think he’ll be a big benefit for the team in the future.”
Kris Knoblauch on Kravtsov, via NY Post
New York only has a scheduled practice today before heading off to Philadelphia for a game Thursday. It is possible for Kravtsov to play his first game for the Rangers Saturday against the Flyers or Sunday in Washington. The Rangers could hold off his NHL debut for Tuesday, March 30 when they take on the Caps at home.
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