Rangers: Igor Shesterkin ties franchise record with another elite playoff performance

May 9, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers are lucky to have a brick wall covering their nets. Igor Shesterkin has been incredible during the team’s historic start to the postseason, saving just about everything that comes his way in the team’s seven-straight wins. In their thrilling comeback victory over the Hurricanes on Thursday night, Shesterkin was once again spectacular, saving 45 shots and tying a franchise record.

Igor Shesterkin tied a Rangers franchise record in Game 3

May 9, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jake Guentzel (59) sends the puck between New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) and goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

As the Blueshirts extended their win streak to seven games, Shesterkin matched franchise legend Mike Richter for the longest playoff winning streak in club history at seven (h/t The New York Post). He turned in another dominant performance filled with one clutch save after another to help the Rangers earn their overtime victory on Thursday night.

Shesterkin made 45 saves on 47 attempts (.957 SV%) in Game 3. He’s faced 104 shots in the last two games, making an incredible 99 saves (.952 SV%). Shesterkin has surrendered just eight goals in three games against Carolina (2.66 GAA).

This postseason, Shesterkin has posted a .935 SV% through seven games. He currently has the highest save percentage in club playoff history at .929, ahead of Henrik Lundqvist (.921). It’s been a historic run for Shesterkin who is continuing to establish himself amongst other franchise legends as one of the greatest goalies in Rangers history.

Hurricanes head coach praises Shesterkin following Game 3

Mar 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour gestures on the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Even Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour had to sing Shesterkin’s praises following Game 3:

“He’s world-class,” Brind’Amour told reporters (h/t SNY). “He’s done a great job.”

Throughout the postseason, Shesterkin has been the backbone holding this Rangers team together. As the team prepares for Game 4 in Carolina, Shesterkin will be relied on once again to keep a Hurricanes team at bay in an attempt to start the Rangers’ postseason with two straight sweeps.

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