New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkinfrom Russia has stated that his club earned a rightful shot at the Stanley Cup final after receiving the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender for the season. The recognition underscores a season of standout goaltending that helped lift the Rangers deep into the playoffs and into contention for hockey’s ultimate prize.
The team leaned on solid netminding to push through the Stanley Cup chase, advancing to the semifinals where they faced the Tampa Bay Lightning. The eastern showdown ended with New York narrowly missing the final after spinning a strong start into a couple of tough losses, as the series ultimately finished 4-2 in favor of the Lightning. The Rangers opened the series with momentum and two early victories, showcasing the blend of defense and timing that had carried the club through the season.
Watching the championship series from the sidelines, Shesterkin acknowledged the emotional weight involved but emphasized that the experience would strengthen the Rangers heading into the next campaign. He noted that the squad had built a solid foundation, and believing in that platform would drive them to greater successes as they regroup for another run at hockey’s pinnacle.
Across the 2021/22 regular season, Shesterkin appeared in 53 contests, recording six shutouts and stopping an impressively high proportion of shots, a testament to his consistency and reliability between the pipes. The performance not only fueled the Rangers’ playoff run but also affirmed his status among the league’s elite at the position as the campaign unfolded.
Reports from earlier in the season highlighted that Artemi Panarin, the Rangers’ Russian forward, publicly congratulated Shesterkin after the goaltender secured the Vezina Trophy, recognizing his pivotal role in the club’s success. The moment underscored a season of strong chemistry and mutual respect within a roster built to compete at the highest level and to push for another prominent postseason appearance.