Igor Shesterkin deserved better, as he has many times this season.
The Rangers goalie stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced but was victimized once again by a lack of offensive support in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the Islanders at UBS Arena.
“I think he just quietly makes timely save after timely save for us,” coach Mike Sullivan said after his team was shut out for the eighth time this season. “I think he’s one of the elite goaltenders in the league, and I think he’s had a really solid year for us, but I don’t think we always give him the goal support that he probably deserves.
“He certainly makes a lot of timely saves for us night in and night out. I think to have that guy back there certainly gives us a big boost of confidence.”
Shesterkin was beat off a defensive-zone turnover in the opening minute of his 300th career start, but he kept the Rangers close throughout with several key stops, none better than a sprawling glove save on Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin to start the third period.
Earlier in the game, Shesterkin had to be checked out by the training staff following a collision with Max Shabanov following a hooking penalty by Braden Schneider. He also had left the ice briefly during the morning skate after taking a deflected puck off his mask.
Adam Fox, who now is eligible to come off long-term injured reserve, still skated Saturday in a red non-contact jersey.
He missed his 13th consecutive game with an upper-body injury suffered Nov. 29 against the Lightning.
“He’s getting there. He practiced today full capacity, he’ll skate with us [Sunday], full capacity, and we’ll go from there,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan on Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer: “I think he’s a really exciting player to watch. I can imagine he’s only going to get better. He’s an emerging star. I think the biggest thing that jumps out at me when I watch him is just his ability to skate. He’s a one-man breakout.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
