Igor Shesterkin laments Rangers' inability to bounce back after ‘something broke during season'
One by one at MSG Training Center on Monday, the Rangers who were at the center of the past two seasons tried to explain what happened from the first to the second that led to the dismissal of their head coach and associate coach.
They attempted to identify what was to blame before dispersing for a playoff-less summer.
Advertisement
'In my mind, something broke during the season, and [went] the other way,' Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin said. 'We couldn't handle it. It was our job to try to find a way to get back.'
The star Russian netminder, who the organization committed to for the next eight years at $92 million, couldn't say exactly what broke.
Maybe they lost some luck, he said, or weren't playing with as much confidence as they did last season.
Shesterkin noted that even when the Blueshirts fell behind by three last season, they knew they could come back.
Advertisement
He said he didn't feel that this season.
Capping the season with his sixth shutout in a 4-0 win over the Lightning, Shesterkin has 21 over the course of his career and is tied with Lorne Chabot for eighth place on the franchise's all-time list.
Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers looks on following a 4-0 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden on April 17, 2025.
NHLI via Getty Images
Advertisement
The 29-year-old finished with a 27-29-5 record with a career-high goals-against average of 2.89 and a career-low save percentage of .905.
Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers makes a save against the New York Islanders during the third period at UBS Arena on April 10.
NHLI via Getty Images
'I look at this team on paper and it'd be crazy not to think that [this team should be in the playoffs], especially starting with the goalie,' defenseman Calvin de Haan said of Shesterkin. 'He's probably the best player on the team. F–k, he's good. I think we pissed away good goaltending [this season], which is not good.
'That's the most important position and if that starts going to the wayside, it's not good.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Heather Gibbs on son Ty: 'There's so much to learn'
What Mike Richter Remebers About The Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup Victory Okay, The Stanley Cup Final Round already is sensational after last night's overtime tilt. It makes a Rangers fan wonder what it's like to be involved. 3:42 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Maple Leafs Connected to NY Rangers Veteran Amid Offseason Retool
The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering an offseason of possible big changes after another early playoff exit. With over $26 million in projected cap space and a need to reshape the roster, Toronto is starting to get linked to several potential trade targets. Advertisement One name gaining traction is New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider, who could be on his way out of Manhattan. According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the Leafs are among the teams that could pursue Kreider this summer. In a piece for The Fourth Period, Pagnotta noted that New York may shop the 34-year-old winger to free up space. 'Is Chris Kreider the right target? The New York Rangers are expected throw his name out there again as they try to free up some cap space," Pagnotta wrote. "The former 52-goal scorer had a down year, but his $6.5 million cap hit, and style of player, could fit nicely on the team's second line if they feel he can regain 30+ goal form.' Advertisement Kreider finished the season with 22 goals and 30 points in 68 games, a sharp decline from the 39-goal campaign he posted just a year earlier. Kreider has two years remaining on his seven-year, $45.5 million contract and holds a 15-team no-trade clause, holding some leverage in his potential destination. New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) celebrates a goal with Artemi Panarin (10).Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Though Kreider expressed his desire to remain with the Rangers, trade speculation has surrounded him since reports emerged that general manager Chris Drury circulated his name in a memo to other teams at the start of the season. 'This is home for me,' Kreider said. 'This is the organization that gave me an opportunity to live out my dream.' Advertisement Related: 'Realistic' Red Wings Trade Idea Sends Rangers Forward to Detroit Related: Maple Leafs Linked to 34-Year-Old Predators Forward Amid Uncertainty
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
NHL Insider Identifies Three 'Untouchable' Rangers in Trade Talks
NHL Insider Identifies Three 'Untouchable' Rangers in Trade Talks originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Rangers are preparing for a potentially active offseason, and, according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, only three players are safe from trade consideration. Advertisement After a season that fell short of expectations, general manager Chris Drury appears intent on making significant changes to the roster he assembled. Drury promised to revamp the team as soon as last November when he sent a leaguewide memo, and although he pulled off a few transactions, the roster remained intact for the most part. Staple confirmed Drury's initial plans are still active, reporting from the NHL combine ahead of this year's draft that the Rangers are one of several teams expected to pursue major adjustments this summer. "Shesterkin, Fox, and Panarin may be only #NYR untouchables in trade talk," Staple wrote on X. Advertisement That trio arguably features the most consistent performers on a Rangers team that fell short of a Stanley Cup Final appearance by one round last season but failed to make the postseason this year. Goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox are under long-term deals. Forward Artemi Panarin is entering the final year of his seven-year contract, but judging by Staple's report, the franchise wants to keep him in tow, possibly signing him to an extension shortly. New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) celebrates with defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) after scoring a goal against the Carolina Cruz-Imagn Images With those three players protected, the remainder of the roster appears more fluid in terms of potential exits. Players like Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, K'Andre Miller and Alexis Lafreniere could surface in trade talks as the offseason unfolds, as they made it to the rumor mill before the trade deadline. Advertisement According to PuckPedia, the Rangers enter the offseason with $8.4 million in cap space. Related: Maple Leafs Connected to NY Rangers Veteran Amid Offseason Retool This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
