Rangers Had Better Hold Up On That Contract For Igor Shesterkin
We're only two games into the Rangers season and – already – Comrade Igor Shesterkin has something to prove.
After Iggy's Saturday night's lesson in "Sieve Goaltending." he should be given a one ruble raise in his much-discussed contract. Maximum, two rubles!
With the Red Wings visiting The Garden tonight, coach Peter Laviolette must decide whether Iggy's mid-season slump started last Saturday and not in January.
Shesty allowing six goals on 26 Utah Hockey Club shots was embarrassing to the opening night crowd. Not even Captain Marvel , Rempe – making his glorious season debut – could avert the 6-5 overtime loss.
"Lavvy can rest Shesterkin tonight," says The Old Scout, "and get him back in action on Thursday at Detroit. It wouldn't hurt to start Jonathan Quick this evening."
Yeah, why not? If Pistol Pete comes back with Shesty tonight and he stinks out at The World's Most Famous Arena, that will only make the exterminators happy.
Naturally, the Alibi Ikes were out in force after America 's richest NHL team lost to America's poorest NHL club. Money-mad Iggy couldn't even beat a perennial loser which again missed the playoffs last spring with a 36-41-5 record as the Arizona Coyotes.
"We have to help our goaltender," said Chris Kreider. the oft-reliable Blueshirt blaster.
Hey Chris, how about turning it around: How about Shesterkin helping you guys with some multi-millionaire saves?
I guess that can wait. But, you have to wonder – after scoring eleven goals in two games – the Rangers now believe they're the new Flying Frenchmen of five Straight (1956-60) Stanley Cups. After all, run-and-gun will get you goals.
"But we don't want to play run-and-gun," says Adam Fox.
The Maven says nonsense. Run and gun would have worked just fine if the onetime Vezina Trophy-winner stopped more than a baker's dozen of Utah shots.
Not that the fans weren't entertained. Fourth-liners Sam Carrick and the extra-large-size Adam Edstrom each had a fight while Matt Rempe – for a change – maintained revolutionary decorum.
Let's face it, Carrick is here to stay – on account of the trade – but Edstrom, Rempe and Jonny Brodzinski are vying for a regular fourth-line assignment.
The Maven will present a wooden medal to the winner at the end of the season. Right now Broz has one win and The Remper none.
As for tonight, I predict a Rangers win by at least two goals no matter who's in the net. The Maven would prefer to see Jonathan (I Like My Contract) Quick.
Mind you, nothing personal. It's MSG's dough, not The Maven's!
