Shesterkin Embraces 'New Page' for Rangers, Aims for Playoff Return
Despite team's recent struggles and long playoff odds, the star goaltender expresses optimism for the upcoming season.
New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is looking forward to a fresh start this season, expressing optimism about returning the team to the playoffs. Despite the Rangers not having reached the postseason since Shesterkin signed his record-breaking contract in 2024, and the team facing long odds, the Vezina Trophy winner is motivated.
"I’m pretty happy," Shesterkin said after a recent practice. "Last season is done. It’s a new page for us. I’m just looking forward. Just want to get back to the playoffs."
Last season, Shesterkin posted a 25-19-6 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage, ranking seventh and tied for third in those categories respectively. However, injuries limited him to 51 games. The 30-year-old acknowledged the urgency of the upcoming seasons, recognizing the limited window for a Stanley Cup run.
"In hockey, you have a pretty short window to win something for sure," Shesterkin stated. "Every season is an opportunity for you, and you need to work hard at it and do your best, and we’ll see what happens. I feel we can make it."
The Rangers have entered training camp with their longest betting odds in seven years to make the playoffs. However, Shesterkin recalls a similar situation five years ago when the team was considered a coin-flip to make the postseason but ultimately reached the Eastern Conference Final.
Coach Mike Sullivan expressed confidence in his star goaltender. "I think he’s the best goaltender in the game," Sullivan said. "To have a player of such caliber at such an important position is comforting for a coach. He’s a guy that has shown through his body of work in the league how good he is and how consistently good he is year in and year out."
Shesterkin cited the additions of defensemen Marcus Pettersson and Sean Durzi, along with the selection of Alberts Smits with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, as reasons for his optimism. He noted the significant roster turnover since the team posted the league’s best record in 2023-24.
"It’s pretty good to have new faces on the team, kind of fresh air for us," Shesterkin said. "I’m sure they’re going to help us to get back to the playoffs. We just need to trust each other, believe in each other. We have the best fans in the world. They’re going to support us. And I think if we’re in the right [mindset], we’ll make it happen."