The Rangers start the second half of their season Tuesday against the Avalanche. This game marks the debut of Igor Shesterkin, who is believed to be the heir apparent between the pipes for Henrik Lundqvist. Colorado comes in off a 1-0 loss to the Islanders last night while the Blueshirts last played Saturday, falling 2-1 to Vancouver to end their four-game Canada swing.
David Quinn after Monday's practice:
“I just think it’s a natural progression, when you have a guy playing as well as he was in the AHL — you call him up and you give him an opportunity. He played his way into this opportunity. It has nothing to do with Hank or Georgie.… - Coach Quinn pic.twitter.com/Fv5mYSeIl9
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 6, 2020
Lines at practice, same as Saturday night: Kreider - Mika - Buch Panarin - Strome - Fast Howden - Chytil - Kakko Fogarty - McKegg - Smith
Skjei - Trouba Lindgren - Fox Staal - DeAngelo
Shesterkin makes his debut with Lundqvist, who as seen below has still been pretty effective and said all the right things, as one would expect, as the back up. How long Shesterkin is up and what happens to Alexandar Georgiev remains to be determined. At least one of their status - to a certain extent - depends on what happens with Lundqvist. Rick Carpinello summed up the questions surrounding Lundqvist very well as well as his projection of how the situation plays out. Three goalies isn't the ideal and all of this may be playing out on the fly, so trying to project an end result is almost impossible at this moment. Rangers' brass have likely played out the various scenarios but on-ice play will help drive part of the decision along with the marketplace, making all of this a bit volatile.
They also have to determine how to reach the end of Lundqvist’s brilliant Hall of Fame/number-retired career as he turns 38 on March 2. They won’t be forcing him out, and they’re extremely unlikely to buy him out. They almost certainly won’t trade him, not that they could if they wanted to.Why would a trade be difficult?
1. Which contenders need a No. 1 goalie and think Lundqvist is that much better than the one they have? 2. Which of those, if any exist, have the cap space to fit even half of Lundqvist’s $8.5 million hit this season and next? 3. Which would be willing to give up worthwhile assets to get him? 4. Lundqvist has a no-trade clause and doesn’t want to finish his career anywhere else. The Rangers also want to treat him with the royalty and loyalty he deserves.
Lundqvist, right now, is closer to the player he once was than, say, Derek Jeter was at the end of his career or than Eli Manning is at the moment.
Assume he’s staying through the end of his contract, which ends after the 2020-21 season.
An additional first for Igor
When Igor Shesterkin makes his NHL/Rangers debut tomorrow, he will become the first goaltender who was born in Russia to play in a game for the Rangers in franchise history. #NYR
— NYR Stats & Info (@NYRStatsInfo) January 6, 2020
Lundqvist advanced metrics
Worth pointing out that Lundqvist has faced one of the most difficult workloads this season and has been a borderline top-5 NHL goalie.
— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) January 6, 2020
Georgiev's workload has been just slightly easier and he's performed below expectation based on the shots he's faced.https://t.co/rCpN4Hp5nN https://t.co/mcy3rgwk9Z pic.twitter.com/QsHkfMibiB
Lundqvist on Shesterkin
“He’s been doing really well in Hartford and preparing for his first opportunity up here.…
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 6, 2020
Henrik on Igor Shesterkin: pic.twitter.com/1t1VFGESJr
Corey Pronman on his WJC Standouts, Surprises and Disappointments:
Nils Lundkvist, D, New York Rangers (Sweden) - Standout Lundkvist carried over his strong play from the SHL into the tournament where scouts were very impressed by his play. He was one of the best puck-moving defenders in the event. Lundkvist has developed into a player who can execute seam passes often and well, and create chances frequently with his playmaking in the offensive zone or in transition. He played heavy minutes and was effective at both ends. He may not be the biggest, quickest or most skilled defenseman you’ll ever see, but he’s so smart and that makes him project as a top-four defenseman in the NHL.
United States Defensemen - Disappointments The U.S. defensemen combined for two goals and five points in five games. You can argue whether Cam York (Philadelphia) should have played more; I see arguments both ways. I don’t think the defensemen played poorly, in fact I liked a lot of them in certain stretches. The U.S. didn’t have a guy who either made high-end plays consistently or was a true two-way force. (Corey calling out the US d-men is a good indication that K’Andre Miller clearly did not have the best tournament, which was apparent from watching him. He seemed to struggle with the additional, e.g. top line match up, responsibility. He has great offensive instincts from his time as a forward but the defense is still a work in progress. New York needs to patient with his development)
Nils Lundqvist and Karl Henriksson win Bronze
#WorldJuniors came to an end earlier than either Nils Lundkvist or Karl Henriksson wanted.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) January 5, 2020
But each of the #NYR prospects left Czech with lessons learned, memories made and feeling "honored" to have taken part.