• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

Igor Shesterkin Continues to Easily Justify Rangers Extension

  • New York signed him to a four-year, $22.7M contract before the season.
  • Shesterkin led the NHL regular season in save percentage (.935) and GAA (2.07).
Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

After a regular season in which he was arguably the NHL’s best goaltender, Igor Shesterkin hasn’t disappointed in his first Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Rangers’ primary starter.

After making 79 saves in the epic Game 1 — the second-most in postseason history — Shesterkin followed up with 39 during the Rangers’ 5-2 Game 2 win over the Penguins. The 118 combined saves are tied for second-most in the first two games of a series since the NHL began tracking the stat (1955-56).

The 26-year-old is proving to be well worth the four-year, $22.7 million extension he signed before the season.

  • Shesterkin’s $5.7M cap hit for 2021-22 ranks just 12th among all NHL goalies.
  • He led the league in save percentage (.935) and goals against average (2.07) in the regular season.
  • Through two playoff games, Shesterkin leads the NHL in goals saved above expected (5.9) — almost double the next-closest (3.0).

Shesterkin — who also finished fifth in Calder Trophy voting last season — will almost certainly win his first major trophy when the Vezina results are announced.

He could very well add another if he leads New York to a championship.

The Rangers have the seventh-best odds to win it all (+1600) — but Shesterkin has the best odds of anyone on the team to take home the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP (+2800).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena

Panthers Lock Up Stanley Cup–Winning Core With Long-Term Deals

Hours before free agency, Florida cemented terms with their essential players.

NHL Free Agency Begins With Big Money but Modest Star Power

Teams will look to take advantage of an enlarged salary cap.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
July 2, 2025

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates a shot in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

Malik Beasley’s Messy Offseason Includes $2.25M Suit From Ex-Agency

The former Pistons player is not having a good summer.
July 1, 2025

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.
Dewanna Bonner
exclusive
July 1, 2025

WNBA Cutdown Deadline Could Spur Deals for DeWanna Bonner, Emma Meesseman

The two big-name free agents could find their WNBA homes in July.
Shai
July 1, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.