The Rangers look to extend their winning streak to three tonight at MSG against the Lightning. Jonathan Quick will be between the pipes for his third straight start and second after the All-Star break. The move should not be viewed as a major surprise and Igor Shesterkin has said all the right things - today. What happens if this :swap" happens for several more games in a row remains to be seen.
Coach Peter Laviolette confirmed today what we surmised yesterday, Quick is between the pipes. Per the below, the plan always was for Igor, who is saying all the right things, to reset and work on his game over that period with Quick between the pipes. If Quick stones and defeats Tampa, my view is that he needs to remain in net for Friday's game against Chicago irrespective of the plan.
#NYR Igor Shesterkin said he knew before the break that he wouldn't play in the first 2 games back, added "I trust them, they trust me so. Just process.…
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 7, 2024
No. 31 agreed this is a reset.
“But just to be clear, I’m ready for everything right now. I feel great. I feel confident.…
#NYR Igor Shesterkin on Jonathan Quick:
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 7, 2024
"He's outstanding. So great to see him, how he plays, can learn every day how he battles, stops the puck, how he focuses. I'm so happy."
In other news, the Rangers get Jacob Trouba back tonight. What remains to be seen is the defensive pairs. Will Trouba be matched with his usual partner, K'Andre Miller, or will he play with Erik Gustafsson? If the latter occurs, that means Miller and Braden Schneider are the final blueline duo.