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Shesterkin carries Rangers to third straight win, 2-1 in shootout over Avs |
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The Rangers relied on an old formula - Igor Shesterkin - to defeat the Avalanche 2-1 in a shootout Friday. New York's only offense came from Braden Schneider, whose tally, sat up by a brilliant play by Artemi Panarin, was his fourth since Nov. 22, the most amongst NHL defenseman. Shesterkin made 41 saves, while also stopping two of three shots in the shootout, in the win.
Game recap:
A few thoughts:
1) Panarin is playing a 200-foot game. Defense leads to offense, and if the case of Panarin, defense has led to an uptick in his play. The emotional tirade on the ice and in the locker room by Jacob Trouba has proven to be an energizer for the team, as since that moment, the unit looks a lot more cohesive in all aspects.
in the past, Panarin has coasted at times defensively, using his offense to drive his value. Given his myriad of talents and skills with the puck, that was not a surprise. But he has become a full ice player, seen in his recent play. Against Vegas, he thwarted two prime scoring chances.
Yesterday, his back check ended a possible high-danger chance and possibly a goal. In addition, his play in his own zone has kickstarted his game, re-enabling his skating and speed up the ice. His assist Friday extended his point streak to five, during which he has notched five helpers.
NHL Network on Panarin's vision and ice awareness:
2) Shesterkin was brilliant in the win. To further evidence that fact, look at these notes from the post-game report. "Shesterkin is 8-0-1 with a 2.09 goals-against average and .930 save percentage in nine road games (all starts). He has eleven 40-save NHL wins, tying Mike Richter and John Vanbiesbrouck for the third-most in New York history since 1955-56. Only Gump Worsley (22) and Henrik Lundqvist (21) have more."
I think we can say Igor is all the way back. After his rough start November 28 against New Jersey, Shesterkin has found the form that won him the Vezina last season. He was the sole reason why New York notched the victory last night.
Cale Makar was not clearly not a fan of the windmill save made by Igor in OT. Given how his goalie reacted when he won at MSG and some of the antics by Patrick Roy when in Colorado, maybe the comments are not the best look for him. Sometimes just tip your hat and give credit where credit is due.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
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