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EDMONTON, Alberta — Friday night against the Oilers, Igor Shesterkin’s recent problems continued over into the first period, but the Rangers goaltender rebounded in the second period and led his side to a 5-4 shootout victory.
Shesterkin wasn’t helped by his team’s play in front of him in the first period, but his slow reactions contributed to the Rangers falling behind 4-1. Shesterkin stated that he was uncertain as to whether Gerard Gallant would remove him from the game, but the Rangers head coach finally choose to keep his No. 1 goaltender in.
When asked if he considered removing Shesterkin, Gallant replied, “I felt good about our team based on how we played in the first.” “I intended to observe what transpired in the second period. The first ten went great, and you know he will fight back. He is a star goaltender. He has a great deal of pride within him. Clearly, if they had reached five or six, then unquestionably. He played with vigor and fought hard. Early in the second period, when the score was 4-2, he produced a crucial save, after which he performed admirably.
Shesterkin made 25 saves on 29 shots against Connor McDavid, Tyson Barrie, Derek Ryan, and Kailer Yamamoto in the shootout after allowing four goals on 12 shots in the first period. These saves were crucial in the shootout.
In each of his last five contests, Shesterkin has allowed at least three goals. The 27-year-old goaltender has allowed 17 goals on 147 shots.
Gallant and director of goaltending Benoit Allaire were in a difficult position while considering whether or not to pull Shesterkin in favor of Jaroslav Halak, who has been on fire of late and won his last seven appearances. Halak has a 7-0 record in his last seven starts. Taking into consideration the opposition, Shesterkin’s confidence, and what was best for the club, it was a difficult decision for the Rangers to play in Calgary on Saturday night.
Shesterkin stated repeatedly that the rest of the team fought back well throughout the game, but then walked away from reporters in the midst of questions.
In his 56th game, Oilers star Connor McDavid reached 100 points for the season. It was the sixth time in his eight-year NHL career that he accumulated at least 100 points, and the third consecutive year.
Before tonight’s game, Gallant stated, “I’d like for him to have 99 points.” But I do not believe that will occur.
The first-period assist on Ryan Nugent-power-play Hopkin’s goal earned him his 100th point. McDavid’s 101st point was an assist on Leon Draisaitl’s power-play goal at the end of the first period.
»Igor Shesterkin rewards Gerard Gallant’s faith with a comeback victory for Rangers«
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