Dec 28, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

nhl

Jonathan Quick is Ready for Rangers as Igor Shesterkin Lands on IR

Rangers Grapple with Goalie Setback Amid Upcoming Grueling Matchups

Jonathan Quick’s situation remains unchanged following Igor Shesterkin‘s placement on IR due to an upper-body injury he suffered in the third period in Florida on Monday, when Sam Bennett collided with the New York Rangers franchise goaltender after being hit by Ryan Lindgren. The Blueshirts did not give an update on Shesterkin, who is set to miss at least seven days during which the team faces Boston and a back-to-back this weekend against Washington and Chicago before the Stars visit New York on Jan. 7.

“It doesn’t change the game plan, right? No matter who is in the lineup, who is out of the lineup, we do everything we can to prepare for the game [Thursday] night, Go to work.” : said Quick, who will be in net against the Bruins when the club attempts to stop its latest losing streak at four at the Garden.

At this moment, Shesterkin would qualify to come back for the Jan. 9 game at the Garden against the Devils, but there is certainly no assurance of that. Quick hasn’t participated in consecutive games since April 12-13, 2022, while he was with the Kings. Louis Domingue, called back from the Wolf Pack, is certain to play in one of the games this weekend.

Jonathan Quick ready to ‘go to work’ for Rangers with Igor Shesterkin on IR https://t.co/k57UVfrKqb pic.twitter.com/9n7HYoCJDP
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 2, 2025

“If you start looking at games in the past or in the future, you lose sight of the moment. I’ve always felt that is the best approach, to stay in the moment, one game at a time. Personally, and as a group, it’s, ‘what can I do today to get better and what can we do as a group to get better? We do have to get better today as a group.” : Quick said.

Domingue, who recorded a 4-9-1 record with a 3.64 GAA and .888 save percentage at AHL Hartford, is now 1-0 with the Rangers after defeating Minnesota 4-1 with 25 saves on November 9, 2023, when both Shesterkin and Quick were not available. The Blueshirts elevated the 32-year-old on Tuesday instead of 22-year-old Dylan Garand, who has a record of 9-4-2 with a 2.25 GAA and .926 save percentage with the Wolf Pack. Quick’s statistics have suffered during the team’s 4-15 slump to the NHL’s lower tiers.

Following a 4-0 start to the season featuring two straight shutouts, a 0.90 GAA, and a .970 save percentage, No. 32 has a record of 1-4 since November 23, with a 4.00 GAA and an .855 save percentage. The Rangers conducted a tough, energetic practice, maintaining the same line combinations on offense and defense as in Monday’s 4-3 loss to the Panthers, marking the team’s seventh regulation defeat in the past eight matches.

Also Read: Top 5 players with most goals in NHL history

What’s next for New York Rangers?

As if the situation couldn’t worsen for the New York Rangers ahead of the New Year, Igor Shesterkin is going to IR due to an upper-body injury. Consequently, on Tuesday, veteran goalie Louis Domingue was called up from Hartford of the American Hockey League. Maybe coach Peter Laviolette will provide more insight into Shesterkin’s schedule when the Rangers hold practice on Wednesday.

On January 1, 2022, the @LAKings opened the new year with a win over the Flyers. Jonathan Quick made 34 saves and stopped a penalty shot attempt, and the trio of Viktor Arvidsson, Phillip Danault, and Trevor Moore combined for 11 points in a 6-3 win for the #LAKings.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/N7GtCfTbU1
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) January 1, 2025

However, that’s unlikely. He’ll probably keep it under wraps and announce that Shesterkin will be out for the remainder of the week. The Rangers do not anticipate disclosing the specifics of Shesterkin’s injury, particularly if it is related to his head. Starting Thursday, the Rangers will play five matches over the next 10 days. They are set to play 14 matches in January.

If there’s a positive aspect to this situation, it’s that the Rangers possess a three-time Stanley Cup champion as their backup goalie. Jonathan Quick will take over with Shesterkin hurt and will get most of the playing time. The 38-year-old has a record of 5-4-0 in 12 games (nine as a starter), posting a 2.69 GAA, .907 save percentage, and securing two shutouts this season.

Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Igor Shesterkin

Jonathan Quick

New York Rangers

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!