By rights, if a goalie gets a well-earned shutout, it figures that his coach should reward him and start his hot hand again in the next game. Peter Laviolette has that opportunity tonight with the Rangers visiting Vancouver but my gut tells me he'll revert to his second-best netminder, Igor Shesterkin. Why is it unlikely that he'll start against Vancouver? The Maven will tell you why: 1. POLITICS: Management wouldn't want to unnerve its Shesterkin as long as contract negotiations continue. (The pact discussions may run until the America to England Bridge is finished.) 2. THE AGENT: Shesty's rep Max Moliver has been tossing knucklers at Chris Drury. If Quick starts, Slapsie Maxie may revert to his hardball. Then what? A strikeout! Igor Shesterkin Has Reportedly Rejected Contract Extension Paying Him $11 Million Per Season 3. THE PLAYERS: It's a fact that the Rangers play better in front of Quick than Shesty. Peter Laviolette has to fix that problem and bring back legendary goalie coach Bemmy Allaire, FULL-TIME, (Shesty needs Dr. Ben.) 4. AGE: Quick is ten years older than Iggy. Lavvy always can alibi that the Old Guy needs rest, even though he does not. THE PLOT: In the event that Pistol Pete does the expected and starts Shesterkin, Iggy can help Maxie up the contract ante with a shutout or a one-goal win. A two-goal win keeps the pact at status quo. A loss? (See me tomorrow.) Ah but what if Pistol Pete starts Quick. If he loses, put The Wishes To Be Highest Paid Goalie back in against Calgary on Thursday. Should Quick blank the Canucks, then what?
