Igor Shesterkin shockingly takes the blame for the New York Rangers' poor performance this season
Photo credit: Sportsnet
There are reports that New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has decided to take the blame for the team's poor performance this season. This is unfair to himself, and to the fans, as he is only one piece in the puzzle.
The New York Rangers for all intents and purposes are an unfinished team. In fact, it's difficult to say when any 32 NHL teams have the perfect lineup. Those who win Stanley Cups often have to re-formulate the lineups often.
That includes March, and July when major moves happen for NHL teams.
It took Columbus sweeping Tampa Bay before they could win a Stanley Cup, a lesson learned.
But did GM Chris Drury truly learn his lessons, or is Igor Shesterkin blaming himself for a team that performed poorly in front of him?
I think both cases are true, but he still blames himself.
«Not good so far,» Shesterkin said of his play. «We are battling for playoff spot, so we're working hard. Of course, last season, we were in a better spot than this year, but I think everything is in our hands.»
While the $92 million dollar contract looms largely over his head, the fault cannot be shouldered by Shesterkin alone.
As, there are six defensemen, eleven forwards, one coach, and one GM who shouldn't escape the blame either.
Even Laviolette knows he's solely not to blame.
«Sometimes goaltending is a reflection of the way the team's playing in front of you,» Laviolette said.
Shesterkin has had to defend in front of a hideous team in front of him in the first quarter of the season which remained inconsistent.
There were flashes of brilliance along the way, with the third line of Kaapo Kakko, Will Cuylle, and Filip Chytil stepping up.
But as a squad, they just didn't look good.
And it's reflected in Igor Shesterkin's record.
18-19-2, with a 2.87 GAA, and .906 save percentage.
The New York Rangers need to perform beyond expectations if they're to remain in the playoff hunt.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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