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    Stan Fischler
    Stan Fischler
    Mar 4, 2024, 15:00

    Chris Drury signing of Jonathan Quick as Igor Shesterkin's backup was the best thing he's done as GM of the Blueshirts.

    Chris Drury signing of Jonathan Quick as Igor Shesterkin's backup was the best thing he's done as GM of the Blueshirts.

    The New York Rangers signing of Jonathan Quick as Igor Shesterkin's backup was the best thing Chris Drury has done as Rajah of the Blueshirts.

    That is, up until The Boss' latest decision; extending Big Jon's contract for another year.

    Now that's Drury's best move -- depending on what the GM does, or does not do, up until the Trade Deadline.

    What's so wonderful about Quick is that he's been able to handle his split-personality so well.

    He's comfortable being a back-up and he's just as excellent in the Number One slot in the crease.

    That has made life wonderfully easy for coach Peter Laviolette for the pure and simple reason that Quick leaves the bench boss with no goaltending problems at all.

    Well, maybe one:

    Quick has exceeded all pre-season expectations and has lifted his quality-between-the-pipes level up to Comrade Shesterkin's and, occasionally, beyond.

    Which means that Lavvy must be very careful about timing; that is when to play Iggy and when to play Quicky.

    If -- as now seems to be the case -- Pistol Pete has decided that, yes, Shesty is his main man, then he'd better start figuring a firm plan so that Jonny Boy avoids rust on the bench, perhaps thinking about all the dough he'll be making next year.

    In the meantime, I hope -- for the Stanley Cup's sake -- that you make the right choice.