The Rangers rode a strong penalty kill and the sublime play of Igor Shesterkin again to defeat Seattle 3-1. Outplaying for large stretches of the game, New York was able to parry the Seattle attack repeatedly throughout the contest. The Blueshirts face Vancouver tomorrow, then have back-to-back contests against Edmonton and Calgary on Friday and Saturday.
Game recap:
A few thoughts: 1) Shesterkin - has started three in a row and seven of the last eight. In that stretch, he has posted a .9474 save percentage, staggering numbers. We were spoiled for years with Henrik Lundqvist stealing games that New York had no right to win, Shesterkin did it again yesterday. For evidence of this, see below.
Steve Valiquette in the post-game proposed calling these games, Hank Heists. A perfect name and applicable here. The deal Igor signed this offseason may end up a ridiculous bargain if he can play at this level throughout the contract.
Shesterkin dragged one out of the deep end last night in â¦@SeattleKrakenâ©. #NYR #HankHeist pic.twitter.com/3V8fjrtnsN
— Stephen Valiquette (@VallysView) November 1, 2021
2) Chris Kreider gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead at 3:38 of the first period when he scored with a wrist shot off the rush. It was his seventh goal of the season, fourth in the past four games. This one came after even strength.
What was most impressive was the speed and location of the shot. Coming down his off-wing, Kreider used the time and space he had to pick a spot top-shelf over Philipp Grubauer's shoulder. The puck was in and out of the net in the blink of an eye.
When CK20 plays like this, it drives us nuts when he goes into a slump and looks to be disengaged. If he can find a way to play at this level - even when he isn't scoring - then we likely will all be satisfied. But when he is invisible, that's when we all get frustrated.
3) Gary Bettman spoke today on what transpired in Chicago. Seeing pieces of what he said, maybe he shouldn't have. Still looks like double talk and covering for the old network. He and Donald Fehr are on the hot seat.
We want to help out players outside the NHL. Also, all these cases you're bringing up that happened outside the NHL and therefore don't really concern us. Also, hockey culture isn't the problem. pic.twitter.com/wCkMgQHe5j
— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) November 1, 2021