"On the bench, just praying" - K'Andre Miller lauds Igor Shesterkin while expressing concern over shaky Rangers D

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 03, 2024 13:46 GMT

K'Andre Miller praised Igor Shesterkin’s strong performance and admitted the Rangers have defensive issues. Miller noted the need for improvement after a 2–1 win over the Ottawa Senators, where Shesterkin made 40 saves. Despite Shesterkin's reliability, Miller pointed out that the team’s defensive lapses make the goalie’s job harder than it should be.

"I'm running out of things to say; just spectacular," Miller said, via NHL.com. "I mean, everybody is sitting there on the bench just praying that he somehow makes another one of those saves. He just keeps doing it. Obviously, we'd like to clean up our defense a little bit, but we love who we've got back there."

Miller appreciates Shesterkin’s skill but knows strengthening the defense is crucial to reducing Shesterkin’s workload.

The Rangers recognize the need to improve their defense but still rely heavily on Shesterkin’s talent. With free agency approaching next summer, the team hopes to secure a contract extension for their star goalie.

However, Shesterkin’s impressive start this season may complicate negotiations. Reports indicate he has already turned down an offer, suggesting a possible difference between his expectations and the team’s offer.

Tim Stutzle praises Igor Shesterkin's ‘unbelievable’ goaltending as Rangers beat Senators

The New York Rangers defeated the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Senators forward Tim Stutzle noted that Igor Shesterkin’s goaltending made the difference in the game.

"I don't really know what to say, their goalie played unbelievable," Stutzle said, via NHL.com.

"We knew he was a great goalie and obviously we've got to find a way to get more behind him, but you've got to give him credit. He's a great goalie and he kept them in the game. If you outshoot a team like that by 20 shots, you know you played a pretty good game."

Artemi Panarin opened the scoring for the Rangers in the first period after forcing a turnover from Ottawa’s Josh Norris. Alexis Lafreniere extended the lead in the third period with a power-play goal, deflecting a pass off his foot to make it 2–0. Lafreniere ended the game with a goal and an assist.

Despite being outshot 41–18, the Rangers held on for the win, thanks to Shesterkin's key stops. He denied several attempts from Brady Tkachuk and Josh Norris during a crucial power play in the third period. Ottawa's Adam Gaudette scored later in the third, but Shesterkin made eight more saves to secure the victory.