The Quick Reason Rangers Igor Shesterkin Returned To Form

Jonathan Quick has started two of the New York Rangers' last 11 contests. 

He has resumed full-time backup duties, as Igor Shesterkin has regained the form we have come to expect of the former Vezina winner.

Shesterkin, who is 7-1-1 in his last nine starts with a 1.67 GAA and a .952 SV% with two shutouts, has been dominant. Most nights, his dominance has removed Quick from the crease, but the veteran backstop is a vital reason for his fellow netminder's success.

Quick, who is 14-5-2 this season with a 2.38 GAA, .917 SV%, and two shutouts, has done wonders for the Rangers. After struggling to find his game with the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights in 2022-23, he has turned in a phenomenal campaign thus far for the Blueshirts.

While everyone is talking about Shesterkin's play, and rightfully so, it was Quick's poise in goal that gave the Russian goaltender the time to work out the kinks in his play.

From Jan 1 through Feb 7, Quick started six games to Shesterkin's 10. 

During that span, Shesterkin posted a 3.25 GAA and a .863 SV%, while Quick had a 1.98 GAA and a .925 SV%. 

The U.S.-born goaltender, who is just two wins behind Ryan Miller for the most by an American netminder all time, started the Rangers' last contest before the All-Star break and the first two following it.

At the time, Quick was playing excellent hockey and was giving the Rangers a chance to win each night. But more importantly, while the three-time Cup winner was getting those starts, he alleviated the pressure on Shesterkin. 

He allowed Shesterkin time to regain his confidence and gave the Rangers quality performances in the process. 

Although he has since taken a backseat to Shesterkin, it cannot be overstated how vital Quick's play has been for the Blueshirts. His on-ice performance resembles his golden days with the Kings, and his role has been much more significant than that of your typical backup.

Without Quick's ability to steady the ship, Shesterkin would not have had the time to regain his confidence. He would not have been able to figure things out in practices but instead would have been forced to play through them during meaningful games.

While we are all in awe of what Shesterkin has accomplished during this recent stretch, it is appropriate to take a step back and recognize that Quick is a major reason why. 

Tuesday night's win over the Carolina Hurricanes was Shesterkin's second consecutive shutout and the Rangers' third-straight win. Sandwiched in the middle of his two shutouts was Quick's stellar start, in which he defeated the Devils and was 2:34 seconds from a shutout of his own when Simon Nemec scored.

The Rangers continue to roll, increasing their lead in the Metropolitan Division to six points with their latest victory. Whether it's Shesterkin or Quick, the goaltending has been a huge part of that.

Quick's play and importance earned him a one-year contract extension. The Connecticut native is set to make $1.275 million next year after signing a one-year prove-it contract this season. 

Most, including myself, were skeptical when Drury initially signed Quick. Coming off a rocky season and regressing from the reign of dominance he once had over the position, the move didn't seem to support Shesterkin.

As they say, hindsight is 20/20, and the move now is arguably one of the best signings of free agency. Quick has been brilliant, and while we know it is Shesterkin's net for the postseason, it was Quick who preserved it for him.