Cory Schneider backs Igor Shesterkin's crowning as No. 1 goaltender among current league netminders

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 11, 2024 12:00 GMT

In a recent video on X, former NHL goalie Cory Schneider named Igor Shesterkin as the top goaltender in the league. Schneider's view comes as the New York Rangers' Vezina Trophy winner is ranked first by NHL Network among current netminders.

Shesterkin, who missed time early in the season with a lower-body injury, made a strong comeback and helped the Rangers win the Presidents' Trophy.

Tony Luftman praised Shesterkin's career stats and success in the challenging New York market. With 109 wins over the last three seasons and a .921 save percentage, Shesterkin's record is impressive. Luftman questioned if Shesterkin deserved to be ranked No. 1 based on his performance and reputation.

Schneider firmly agreed with Shesterkin's top ranking and said:

“I think he does. I think this is fair. He's about to become probably the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, depending on where his next contract comes in, and deservedly so."

He also praised Shesterkin’s skating, edge work and hand-eye coordination. Schneider noted that Shesterkin has lived up to high expectations in New York, following in Henrik Lundqvist's footsteps.

He even compared Shesterkin to great goalies like Carey Price, Lundqvist and Martin Brodeur and said:

"He's entering that Carey Price, Lundqvist, Marty Brodeur territory where you're like, ‘Man we gotta play Igor tonight’. He might not be playing well, but you’ll still be a little rattled by him because he could spin the game at any moment and just shut you out and make it look easy. He's done incredibly well in the playoffs this year too."

This year, Igor Shesterkin had a standout performance. He was named an All-Star for the third year in a row and finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting. His stats included 36 wins, four shutouts, a .912 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average in 55 games. His best performances were during the playoffs, where he made 54 saves in a double-overtime win against the Hurricanes.

Shesterkin played a key role in the Rangers' playoff run. He led them to seven consecutive victories at the start of the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference Finals, even though the Rangers were up against a tough Panthers team, Shesterkin stopped over 30 shots in several games, keeping his team in the fight.

Igor Shesterkin calls Sidney Crosby toughest shootout opponent

On Friday, New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin said that Sidney Crosby was the toughest shootout opponent.

“I’m gonna start with Crosby because he can always make different moves that are very hard to anticipate,” Shesterkin said.

Even at 37, Crosby remains a top player. Shesterkin also mentioned Jack Hughes and Nathan MacKinnon as tough shooters. However, Crosby’s skill makes him the most difficult to face.