Igor Shesterkin, the Russian goaltender for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League, offered his thoughts on the rough patches the season has produced. The 27-year-old netminder has appeared in 58 games this season, earning 37 wins while posting a goals-against average around 2.48 and a save percentage near 91.6 percent.
Shesterkin reflected on the campaign, saying his start was strong, the middle stretch tough, and then a concerted effort to reclaim his form. He expressed optimism that his latest adjustments are taking hold and that his improved play can endure for the stretch run of the year.
During a four-game window from November 26 to December 5, the Rangers surrendered 15 goals, a spell he described as a personal disruption. He admitted that he briefly felt scattered and that he had to reset his focus. He explained that regaining rhythm is similar to walking: one does not overthink each step, one simply moves ahead, and the habit of performing well returns gradually.
Reports on the Russian netminder note that another prominent goalie from the area, Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders, has also been highlighted for his strong regular-season performance by media outlets such as The Athletic, underscoring a competitive period for elite goaltenders from Russia.
Entering the final two games of the regular season, Shesterkin leads NHL appearances among goaltenders with six starts in that particular span. He also sits among the league’s top performers in recovery percentage, posting a mark in the low to mid-nineties, and ranks high in reliability according to official season statistics, illustrating his continued importance to the Rangers’ defensive structure as the season closes.
With the pressure of the stretch run, Shesterkin’s approach has been to focus on staying in the moment, maintaining mental calm, and trusting his routine. His teammates and coaching staff have emphasized the value of steady, deliberate play as the team aims to secure a favorable position heading into the postseason. The goaltender’s ability to rebound after rough patches remains a key storyline for the Rangers as they navigate a demanding schedule and contest for playoff seeding.