Newark, N.J: On May 1st, Igor Shesterkin surrendered 3 goals to the New Jersey Devils in his third career game 7.
That didn't phase Igor coming into Saturday's match, where he started in his first game since November 2nd. He stated to Vince Mercagliano of USA Today, "Did they win the Stanley Cup? Then it doesn't matter."
In his first start in 16 days, and first game at the Prudential Center since the Rangers 2023 post-season failure, Shesterkin put on a show. The Rangers netminder made 30 saves on 33 shots, winning his 7th game of the season.
By definition, a duel is a contest arranged between two people to settle a point of honor. Shesterkin wasn't the only returning rough rider. Jack Hughes, the sheriff of Newark, took the ice for the first time since November 3rd.
The ice is not big enough for the two of them. The shot sheet calls for a close-up of their eyes. The shot sheet also ended with Hughes recording 8 pucks on goal.
"The Czar" stopped 7 of those. Whether it was breakaways, or quick and lethal wristers snapped at the cage, Igor shut down the only Devil capable of taking over the contest.
Hughes did tally a goal. An unassuming shot off the wall found its way past Igor. It was waved off initially, but that call was reversed. Other than that fluky tally, Hughes went ahead and made Shesterkins day,
In a 32 Thoughts interview from September, Hughes vocalized his respect for Shesterkin, " Sometimes you got to get a puck on net. He's a top 2 goalie in the league, I hate gassing him up because he's a Ranger. But he's a top goalie for sure."
Peter Laviolette was pleased with his returning starter's performance, "Every minute that went by he looked better and better... I do think they have some guys that can attack. We needed him, and he really stepped up."
Out of the Prudential saloon and into the desert...for now.
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