Rangers forward makes thoughts extremely clear on Igor Shesterkin's impressive record since return from injury

After signing the massive $92 million contract with the NY Rangers, fans have lots of expectations from their goalie Igor Shesterkin. Now, Shesterkin is finally giving performances worthy of his numbers, giving a strong reply to critics.

Igor Shesterkin has been the star of the Rangers' recent turnaround. Filip Chytil summed it up simply after the game against the Philadelphia Flyers:

"I don't have to talk about him at all because he's just speaking with his performances on the ice, and he's unbelievable."

Since returning from an upper-body injury on January 9, Shesterkin has been outstanding. He has helped the Rangers extend their 10-game point streak (7-0-3). Head coach Peter Laviolette also praised him, saying:

"Him being in that second period, he made some really big saves and allowed us to build on that. He was fantastic in the second. He's been playing like that. He's been on point with his game. That's giving us a chance."

Before his injury, Shesterkin struggled in a three-game losing streak. He posted a 4.60 GAA and a .843 save percentage, with a record of 11-15-1. However, his return has been a complete turnaround.

Shesterkin went 164:03 without allowing a goal, recording shutouts against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators. Against the Flyers, he stopped 33 of 34 shots, finishing the game with a 1.00 GAA and a .971 save percentage. His season record now stands at 17-15-2, with a 2.78 GAA and a .914 save percentage.

Shesterkin’s recent form has been vital for the Rangers. He is 6-0-1 in his past seven starts, giving the team confidence in their push for the playoffs.

Igor Shesterkin missed his third straight shutout but Rangers won 6-1

The New York Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-1 at Madison Square Garden, extending their point streak to 10 games. Igor Shesterkin missed his third straight shutout with Owen Tippett's goal.

Tippett scored first for the Flyers at 1:25, redirecting a pass off his skate. This ended Igor Shesterkin’s shutout streak of 165:28. Braden Schneider tied the game 1-1 at 9:00 when his pass deflected off Egor Zamula's stick.

Adam Edstrom made it 2-1 at 10:24, deflecting Ryan Lindgren’s shot from the point. K’Andre Miller extended the lead to 3-1 in the second period with a wrist shot through a screen.

Filip Chytil scored at 5:15 in the third, deflecting a shot from Urho Vaakanainen to make it 4-1. Adam Fox added a short-handed empty-net goal, and Reilly Smith scored a power-play goal for the 6-1 final.