There's been a bit of a logjam in the New York Rangers crease this season. Alexandar Georgiev and Hendrik Lundqvist have played close to the same amount of games; 25 and 28 respectively. But a new player has entered the arena and, according to head coach David Quinn, he's the new number one goaltender despite the surprising play of Georgiev and the legend that is Lundqvist.
While Georgiev will get the start Thursday night, Quinn told media today that rookie netminder Igor Shesterkin is the new number one at Madison Square Garden. He said all three goalies had a chance to state their case and he then made his decision. Shesterkin won't play tonight as he's dealing with an ankle issue.
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This marks the end of an era for the Rangers as Lundqvist has been the number one guy in New York since the 2005-06 season when he played 53 games in his first NHL year. He still has another season on his contract worth $8.5 million per year, which means is doubtful all three goaltenders will be sticking around much longer. So what happens with Lundqvist? Will the Rangers deal Georgiev and hang on to him? Perhaps they could try to deal Lundqvist at the deadline, although it's likely some salary would have to be retained. Either way, it's a new day between the pipes for New York and Shesterkin, who has played just seven NHL games in his career, has been handed the reigns and named the guy.
