New York Rangers’ Kappo Kakko was surprised to learn he was a healthy scratch for Game 6, and Igor Shesterkin shows a relaxed side as player media sessions wrapped up.
The New York Rangers player many wanted to hear from spoke with the media on Monday afternoon. Kappo Kakko addressed head coach Gallant’s decision to make him a healthy scratch for a critical Game 6 last Saturday night.
It was the first time he was scratched this season, actually, it was the first time Kakko can recall ever being scratched in his young career. He also said that no one told him about being scratched and found out when he saw the team’s lineup that day.
“It’s never fun when you’re not making the lineup. I wasn’t so happy about that.
Kakko said that he had never been scratched at any level before, but the situation will give him the motivation to be better next season. He won’t let the situation now affect his status next season as he is a restricted free agent. He still wants to be a part of this team.
Asked if it would change how the feels about playing in New York, Kakko responded,
“I don’t think so. I like to play here.”
As part of the “Kids line,” Kakko played in 19 playoff games scoring two goals and five points. Coach Gallant’s reason was simple when asked about scratching Kakko, “Trying to win a hockey game.”
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Igor Shesterkin Shows a Relaxed Side
Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin is a focused player, as everyone witnessed in the 20 playoff games. He faced over 700 shots on goal and was the reason the team was in every one of the Eastern Conference Games against the Lightning.
He showed a lighter side in his media session as he talked about being a finalist for the Hart Trophy. Igor says he doesn’t have a chance to win the Hart Trophy, given the competition, but he pointed out he didn’t give up a goal to Matthews and didn’t play against McDavid.
Shesterkin is also a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, an award he should win with the outstanding regular season he had for the team this year.
When he was asked if this team is good enough to win the Stanley Cup, his response was simple as Igor tends to be,
Yeah… Everybody played great. Lindy made more saves than me.”
Lindy is Ryan Lindgren, who disclosed he suffered an ankle injury in the last game of the season and battled through the injury the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs.