Igor Shesterkin has been one of if not the best goalies in the NHL for several years now. At his peak, he has been able to carry the New York Rangers deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With his fantastic success, one publication wanted to get his perspective on the best players in the NHL. In his response, he picked three players he feels are the most difficult.
Igor Shesterkin by revealing probably the most expected name on this list Sidney Crosby. Of course, Sidney Crosby has been one of if not the best player in the NHL throughout the last 20 years.
Following up Sidney Crosby is another pair of superstar centers. Nathan MacKinnon has earned Igor Shesterkin's respect despite playing in the Western Conference. Then finally the most surprising name on this list is New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes.
All of these players were considered elite or close to generational talents in their draft year with Sidney Crosby being certainly generational. What sets each of them apart from the rest of the NHL is their mix of hockey IQ and skating to keep them all unpredictable.
It is always interesting to hear the perspective of a goalie regarding who the best forwards are in the NHL. In recent seasons Igor Shesterkin's play has fallen off a bit going from a 2.07 goals against average in 2021-22 to a 2.58 goals against average in 2023-24. One has to wonder if this outcome is due to electric smart players like Sidney Crosby, Jack Hughes, and Nathan MacKinnon learning Igor Shesterkin's tendencies.
As the 2024-25 NHL season begins it will be fascinating to watch Igor Shesterkin and the New York Rangers go on another run. Tracking how Igor Shesterkin stacks up against his self-proclaimed best players in the NHL will be a blast too.
Source: Hockey Feed
Igor Shesterkin reveals toughest opponents he's faced
Source: HockeyDB
Igor Shesterkin Stats
POLL | ||
Which player do you think would be the most difficult to face as a goaltender? | ||
Sidney Crosby | 49 | 41.9 % |
Nathan MacKinnon | 62 | 53 % |
Jack Hughes | 6 | 5.1 % |
List of polls |