Igor Shesterkin’s stellar performance: 3 takeaways from New York Rangers’ 2-1 win over Ottawa Senators

The New York Rangers continued their strong start to the 2024-25 NHL season, besting the visiting Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan by a 2-1 final score for their seventh win in 10 tries.

The host Rangers found the back of the net first thanks to sniper Artemi Panarin's seventh goal of the campaign, as he took advantage of a Senators turnover and ripped a shot past the blocker of Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark from the right faceoff circle:

Both teams were held at bay during the second period, but the Rangers took a two-goal lead early in the third period thanks to a power-play goal from the newly re-signed Alexis Lafreniere:

The shutout bid for Igor Shesterkin was broken midway through the final frame, as Adam Gaudette scored his fifth goal of the season and cut New York's lead in half.

However, it's as close as Ottawa would get. The Rangers improved to 7-2-1, while the Senators dropped to 5-5. Shesterkin made 40 saves in the win, while Ullmark finished with 16 saves.

Let's examine the three biggest takeaways from New York's win at Madison Square Garden over Ottawa.

3 Takeaways from New York Rangers 2-1 win over Ottawa Senators

#3. The Rangers were once again not cohesive defensively

While the Rangers earned the two points, their lackluster defensive play still allowed over 40 shots for a second straight game.

They have two capable goaltenders in Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick, but they can't rely on them to bail them out every night. Look for New York's defense to tighten up in their next outing.

#2. New York's special teams paved the way

Not only did the Rangers secure a power-play goal in the third period that stood up as the game-winner, but they also killed off all five chances that the Senators had on the man advantage.

New York's penalty killing demonstrated why it is ranked 3rd overall at 89.7% efficiency.

1. Igor Shesterkin earned the Rangers two points with his stellar play

The Rangers goaltender was on top of his game on Friday night, making 40 saves in the win. It also marked the second straight game of 40 saves or more for Shesterkin, who stopped 41 shots in a 5-3 setback against the Washington Capitals earlier in the week. He also bailed out his teammates in the second period, as they were outshot 13-4.

Set to become a free agent next summer, Shesterkin has already reportedly turned down a contract offer of $88 million, which would have made him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. If he continues to turn in performances like Friday night, his price tag could increase even more - especially if he gets the Rangers back to the Stanley Cup.