Igor Shesterkin could be the key to the New York Rangers’ playoff success

With a 6-5 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, the New York Rangers became the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff spot in 2023-24.

A large reason for their success in the second half of the season is goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who in his last 16 games has gone 12-3-1 with a .931 SV% and three shutouts. As we get closer to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the question now becomes: what’s the Rangers’ biggest strength heading into the spring?

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss the Rangers’ playoff chances and how big of a factor Shesterkin is in their success.

Frank Seravalli: Easter Sunday is this weekend but it was Merry Clinch-mas for the New York Rangers on Tuesday. They become the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season, but let’s size up their playoff hopes. They’re still in a dog fight for the Presidents’ Trophy, the No. 1 seed in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference.

What do you think is the biggest strength and weakness for the Rangers?

Carter Hutton: I think the weakness at times will be their backend, as they’re still missing a few key players with Ryan Lindgren and Jacob Trouba out. For me, their strength lies in their goaltending with Igor Shesterkin back to form. It was a tough first half for him, and for me as a former player, you get in a flow state where the games come and you’re dialled in, then all of a sudden, you’re fighting it a bit, it’s hard to find your game.

I think the Rangers did a great job of getting him to the All-Star Game, then giving him some time off. Jonathan Quick started a few games out of the break, giving Shesterkin time to slow things down and work on his game. I think they’ll go as far as he can take them.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…