Rangers Igor Shesterkin reveals the most difficult players to stop in the NHL
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire - USA Today
This morning a new interview surfaced with New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin where he revealed the toughest players to face in the NHL.
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 reveals the most difficult players to face
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.
Well, it comes to my mind, there are a lot of players who scored on me, he said. So, it's hard to choose only three. I'm gonna start with (Sidney) Crosby because he can always make different moves that are very hard to anticipate.
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.
Also, probably Hughes from New Jersey. And, probably MacKinnon because he's got a good shot, Shesterkin added.
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 FeedIgor Shesterkin reveals toughest opponents he's faced
Source: HockeyDBIgor Shesterkin Stats
| POLL | ||
11 AOUT | 117 ANSWERS Rangers Igor Shesterkin reveals the most difficult players to stop in the NHL 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 | ||
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