As the season progresses, Peter Laviolette wants to even out Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick's starts.
New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette wants to change some things up when it comes to the team’s goaltending strategy.
Both Igor Shesterkin and Jonthan Quick have been playing some exceptional hockey with the two being the leading catalyst in the Rangers’ 9-3-1 record to start the season.
However, Shesterkin has started the first 10 of 13 games, which gives him little time to rest and risks the possibility of an injury.
Eventually though, Laviolette wants to even out their starts to ensure both goalies stay fresh while Shesterkin is able to get enough rest.
“Even more impressive to Quick’s performance the other night, he wasn’t in the role,” Laviolette said. “Shesty was on fire and there weren't a lot of games, a lot of days off, yet he still stayed sharp through practice. Being a pro for so many years, he knows how to be ready when he gets thrown into games like in Detroit.
“When games start to heat up and we have eight games in 14 nights, we are going to need more fixtures in our lineup, including our goaltending.”
Come playoff time, it’s critical that Shesterkin is fully healthy, so having a backup goalie like Quick is extremely valuable.
Given that Quick can still play at an elite level and show flashes of his former self, there is no reason the Rangers shouldn’t utilize him.
The 38-year-old started a total of 26 games for the Rangers last season and the hope is he reaches that number again if not maybe even surpasses that mark.