Igor Shesterkin had a remarkable 2025-26 season, finishing with a 25-19-6 record and a .912 save percentage.
What happened?
The New York Rangers finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, but Shesterkin's performance was a bright spot.
He controlled rebounds and made key saves on the penalty kill and late in close games.
Why it matters for Igor Shesterkin
Shesterkin's elite quickness and ability to steal victories for the Rangers were on full display.
He had a 37-save shutout in a 4-0 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 9.
The Rangers struggled without him after he suffered a lower-body injury on Jan. 5.
What comes next?
At 30 years old, Shesterkin is in his prime and a massive difference-maker for the Rangers.
He has led them on runs to the Eastern Conference Final in 2021-22 and 2023-24, with a .928 save percentage and 2.41 goals-against average in the playoffs.
The Rangers need to put a competitive team in front of him to make the playoffs.
Shesterkin's performance earned him an A for the season, and the team expects another great season from him in 2026-27.
The key will be getting better and developing young players like Gabe Perreault, Matthew Robertson, and Noah Laba.
Shesterkin played at a high level despite the team's struggles, and his numbers were impressive considering the Rangers' poor defensive play.
He finished the season with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
The Rangers went 9-20-3 when Shesterkin was not in goal, highlighting his importance to the team.
Shesterkin's ability to perform under pressure and make key saves will be crucial for the Rangers' success in the future.