Rangers Roundup: Igor Shesterkin to start, Gallant teases surprise lineup changes, and more

igor shesterkin
Feb 20, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) celebrates with Rangers left wing Alexis Lafreniere (13) after their game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers will be led onto the UBS Arena ice by goaltender Igor Shesterkin against the bruised and batter Islanders.

In a rare moment, Gerard Gallant gave in to the media and announced his starter after today’s morning skate.

Igor Shesterkin to start against the Islanders

There really was very little doubt who would start tonight. Although, if anyone looked at each goalie’s career numbers against the Islanders it would raise an eyebrow.

Alexandar Georgiev is 7-3-0, with 2 SO and 1.84 GAA in 10 games versus the team from L.I.. Meanwhile, Shesterkin has struggled with a 3.61 GAA in five starts going 0-4-1.

“I don’t take (prior record) into account a whole lot,” Gallant said. “I’m more worried about this year with what I know about our goalies.”

In that case, the choice of Shesterkin is an easy decision.

Igor currently has a record of 9-3-2 with a GAA of 2.33 and a sterling SV% of .931.

Gallant teases a lineup change?

Gerard Gallant
Gerard Gallant (NYR/Youtube)

The head coach may have been having a little fun with the press today. While discussing the chemistry that’s been building with Ryan Strome, Artemi Panarin, and Kaapo Kakko he had this to say.

“I like the way they’ve been playing, especially the last four or five games but that might be one of the changes tonight,” Gallant said with a giant grin. “I don’t want to say too much because I might change that.”

All jokes aside, the lineup is going to look similar to the one against Buffalo.

The only expected change is Nils Lundkvist will come in for Jarred Tinordi and that will move Patrik Nemeth back to the left side.

Then again, maybe Gallant was serious?

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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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