Igor Shesterkin benched after allowing five goals to Kings
- Igor Shesterkin was replaced after allowing five goals on 21 shots against the Kings.
- The Rangers have lost nine out of their last twelve games, struggling particularly at home.
- Players and coaches express frustration about the team's lack of performance and focus.
On December 14, 2024, in New York City, Igor Shesterkin, the goaltender for the Rangers, had a difficult outing against the Los Angeles Kings. During the match, he allowed five even-strength goals on 21 shots within a short duration, resulting in his early removal in the second period. The first period saw him concede two goals, and within just over five minutes into the second period, three additional goals resulted in Shesterkin being replaced by backup Jonathan Quick. Shesterkin had entered the game with a record of 10 wins, 10 losses, and a goals-against average of 2.90 for the season, highlighting his ongoing struggles this year. The Rangers' head coach, Peter Laviolette, expressed frustration regarding the team's performance, particularly in the first period, noting that starting off poorly at home significantly hinders their chances of winning. The Rangers ended up losing the game 5-1, continuing a troubling trend for them, as they have allowed five or more goals in several recent home games, which has contributed to poor performances overall. This game marked the Rangers' ninth loss in their last twelve outings, which is a concerning statistic for a team aiming to compete in the playoffs. Earlier in the season, Shesterkin had a similar experience when he was pulled after allowing five goals during a 6-1 home loss against the Buffalo Sabres, which indicated that his struggles were not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader trend. The Rangers, who notably had the best record in the NHL last season, are now facing challenges at Madison Square Garden, as evidenced by their 7-8-1 home record. Interestingly, despite these difficulties, they have fared better on the road, with an 8-5-0 record. As the season progresses, the Rangers are set to play six of their next seven games away from home. Players like forward Vincent Trocheck have voiced the need for better performance and commitment from the team, emphasizing that the success of their games rests on each player's contributions and efforts. With Shesterkin's recent contract extension worth $92 million and his previous accolades as the league's best goaltender, the expectations for him remain high, and the team will need him to regain his form for a strong second half of the season.