Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin speaks out amidst “goalie controversy”

It has been confirmed by New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette that Jonathan Quick will be the starting goalie tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This will be Quick’s third straight start and fans have begun to claim that there is a goalie controversy in the Big Apple since Igor Shesterkin has been left on the bench.

However, coach Laviolette quickly dismissed that thought when speaking with NHL.com:

“’Shesty’ is our guy here,” Laviolette said. “We’re going to work in the next few days to get him some practice time, get him some reps.

“I do think we’re fortunate to have a guy like Jonathan in the stable and he’s played really well, especially as of late.”

Team insider Mollie Walker turned to the man himself after the morning skate on Wednesday, asking Shesterkin about his teammate taking over the crease and how he felt about not getting yet another start for the Rangers.

Shesterkin dismissed the idea of a goalie controversy as well, and claims he knew about the team’s plan to give him the chance to reset for the ultimate push for the postseason. He knew he would not play before the break that he wouldn’t play in the first two games back.

“I trust them, they trust me so. Just process.

“But just to be clear, I’m ready for everything right now. I feel great. I feel confident.”

Shesterkin was struggling prior to the All-Star Break, posting a 3.25 GAA and .863 save percentage since Jan. 2, while Quick has been better with his 2.18 goals-against average and .922 save percentage in five games since the start of the year. Quick has earned the extra playing time with his performance and Shesterkin can benefit from the break moving forward.

Let’s see what happens next and if Quick continues to be the starter and then I guess we can talk goalie controversy in New York and check in with Shesterkin once again…

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