Panarin's High Praise for Shesterkin

In his post-game media availability following Game 6, Rangers' superstar Artemi Panarin had high praise for his countryman Igor Shesterkin. Translated from Russian to English, Panarin says, "It's always great to have a goalie whose next step is to just start scoring goals."

Panarin was referring to Shesterkin's all time performance in the Rangers' Game 6 victory over the Hurricanes. Shesterkin had 37 saves on 39 shots for a .949 save percentage. Uncharacteristically for a netminder, he also added two assists and a penalty to his stat sheet.

Shesterkin has been otherworldly this season, going 36-13-4 with six shutouts, a 2.07 GAA and a .935 save percentage. He is a finalist for the Hart Trophy (player most valuable to his team) and the Vezina Trophy (best goaltender) this season.

In addition, Shesterkin continues to impress in the playoffs. Despite a rocky start in Pittsburgh, his numbers are impressive this postseason. He is 7-6 with a 2.76 GAA for a .926 save percentage.

The Rangers are carrying a lot of confidence heading into Game 7 in Raleigh, a place where no other team has yet to win this post season. The Canes are a perfect 7-0 at PNC Arena in Raleigh. The great equalizer? Shesterkin. If you believe in momentum, this team, and especially their franchise goaltender, have just that heading into yet another elimination game.

The NHL already has Connor McDavid vs Nathan MacKinnon in the West. Could you imagine Igor Shesterkin vs Andrei Vasilevskiy in the East?

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