NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers - Source: Imagn — Flyers HC John Tortorella reiterates Rangers goalie's netminding. (Image Source: Imagn)

Flyers HC John Tortorella reiterates $92,000,000 Rangers goalie's netminding as big factor for 6-1 loss

Modified Jan 24, 2025 06:25 GMT

Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella highlighted the significant impact of Igor Shesterkin's goaltending in their 6-1 loss against the Rangers.

Shesterkin delivered a stellar performance, making 35 saves and allowing only one goal early in the game before shutting down the Flyers for the rest of the match.

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Shesterkin's recent performances have been solid, with a record of 6-0-1 in his last seven games, during which he has given up just ten goals, including two shutouts in his last two outings.

John Tortorella pointed out that despite the lopsided scoreline, the Flyers created a number of scoring chances but couldn't convert against Shesterkin. He acknowledged that the goaltender played a key role in the Rangers' win.

"One of the keys to the game is their goalie. I mean, we end up with 24, 25 scoring chances and couldn't solve him. On the other end of it, point shots with deflections. I don't think we blocked enough shots. A couple good tip-ins by them. Sometimes those are plays you don't even notice in the game; they tipped them tonight and it hurt us. But to look at the score, not a chance the game was played, " Torts said post-game.

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"I thought we had a lot of good scoring chances. When it's 3-1, we have scoring chances. It ends up a 6-1 game, I pull the goalie, they score, and it's garbage time at the end. It wasn't a track meet for me. I thought we developed a lot of offense. We couldn't solve their goalie," he added.

Igor Shesterkin, who is signed to an eight-year, $92 million deal, has a record of 17-15-2, with a GAA of 2.72 and a save percentage of .914. Meanwhile, the Rangers improved to 24-20-4 and moved to third in the East's wild card standings.

The Blueshirts host the Colorado Avalanche at MSG next on Saturday. The puck drops at 1 p.m. ET.

Igor Shesterkin shined as New York Rangers downed Philadelphia Flyers

On Thursday, the NY Rangers hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden. The Blueshirts defeated the Flyers convincingly 6-1, extending their point streak to a season-long ten games.

Owen Tippe was the lone scorer for the Flyers, putting the team on the board just 1:25 into the first period. The Rangers quickly responded with two goals from Braden Schneider and Adam Edstrom in under two minutes, taking a 2-1 lead.

K'Andre Miller added a third goal for the home team at 4:44 in the second period. Coming into the final period, Filip Chytil extended the Blueshirts' lead to 4-1 at 5:15.

Adam Fox scored a shorthanded goal into an empty net, making it 5-1, before Reilly Smith's goal at 18:15 sealed the win for the Rangers.