The New York Rangers are not convincing at all and their number 1 goalkeeper, Igor Shesterkin, is well aware of this, his bad mood illustrating the state of mind reigning within the troops.
• Read also: It’s up to Samuel to continue
• Read also: Nick Suzuki believes in the Canadiens’ chances of making the playoffs
By losing 5-3 to the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, the “Blueshirts” extended their losing streak to three and rank fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a one-game record higher than .500, which is significantly lower than what experts predict for them. However, talent is not lacking in Manhattan, starting with the reigning recipient of the Vézina Trophy.
Except that this one does not present statistics as brilliant as in 2021-2022. His 10-4-3 record isn’t bad, but his .913 save percentage is a far cry from his .935 last season. Ditto for the goals against average, which is 2.58 this year, compared to 2.07 for the previous calendar. In short, the results are long overdue and the Russian is not satisfied.
“The keeper played like shit again. I’m outraged, he said of his latest performance, as reported by the New York Post. I feel so bad, I play badly and I’m disappointed. On every goal conceded, it was an easy game for me. These are shots to block. If our team wants to win, I have to do better.”
For his part, head coach Gerard Gallant doesn’t want to pillory Shesterkin, who faltered after watching his team take a 2-0 lead early in Monday’s game.
“The club is the problem. It’s the whole group, including the instructors. We have to turn the tide,” he demanded.
It’s pressing
However, actions must back up words. Rangers players know that it is important to stop the bleeding to avoid falling further in the standings.
“I don’t think it’s a secret here that there’s frustration,” defenseman Jacob Trouba told NHL.com. Considering our place, it’s normal. We talked about it together. Things are not easy and we will have to keep fighting until the wind turns. There really is an urgent need to act.”
The New York team will play a home-and-away series against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Center and Friday at Madison Square Garden.