Not only has Igor Shesterkin definitively entered the Hart Trophy chat, but he’s come equipped with a bevy of emojis, memes and TikTok dances, too.
The man means business.
And his 26-6-3 record, 1.98 goals-against average and .940 save percentage emphatically backs that up as well.
Simply put, the Rangers are not the same team without their blue-chip No. 1. In fact, they’re 8-9-2 when Shesterkin is not the goalie of record.
At the very least, the 26-year-old has put himself in prime position to accomplish a rare feat. He’s looking to join Carey Price (2015) and Jose Theodore (2002) as the third player this millennium to win the Hart and Vezina Trophies in the same season.
Next time you put together a roster for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool, consider picking the New York Rangers as one of your two crease selections.
Now to your questions:
Put it this way: Even if it were Martin Brodeur in there, I’d still be hesitant to roster a Devils goalie right now. Over the past month, New Jersey has one of the top offensive teams in the league. Having said that, the only problem is that they’ve been one of the worst defensively as well. I’m sure you see what I mean. Stay away.
Even though Minnesota has been struggling themselves, there’s clearly way more upside with Kaapo Kähkönen than anything you’ll find in New Jersey’s crease these days. I’m curious to see if the Finn can finally grab the reins from Cam Talbot in the coming weeks.
Considering how hot Toronto’s top line has been recently, I would do this in a heartbeat.
Whether it be goals, points, shots on goal or penalty minutes, Bunting has been providing supreme category coverage since the All-Star break. As long as he continues to fill the garden seat alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the rookie should be viewed as a must-own fantasy file. He’s been on fire.
It’s a close call, but give me Norris.
Long story short, it’s hard to overlook the chemistry he’s built with Brady Tkachuk over the course of this season. Now that he’s back in the lineup following a lengthy absence due to a shoulder issue, I expect the duo to take off once again. In general, Ottawa could emerge as a stealth spoiler team down the stretch. Watch out.
Because everyone’s so brushed up against the cap, I see the offseason as a better time for the Flyers to explore a Konecny trade. For what it’s worth, I think he’s the perfect example of a guy who could be inspired by a change of scenery, that’s for sure. Think Sam Bennett.
Some names I’m tracking: Phil Kessel, Jakob Chychrun and Jake DeBrusk. Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell is another. Fingers crossed for some meaningful activity.
When it comes to goaltending, it’s always tough to handicap the future, especially considering how volatile the position has truly become. With that in mind, here’s four guys to monitor closely over the next couple of years: Lukas Dostal (ANA), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF), Danill Tarasov (CBJ) and Spencer Knight (FLA).
Hope that helps.
Yes, I would. The Flames have five games next week. You know how much I love schedule manipulation.
Also, yes, I think Johansen’s droppable. Traditionally, there’s tons of depth up the middle in fantasy hockey. Scour the wire, I’m sure you can find a better option.
Personally, I’d hang on to him. At this point, I think it’s highly unlikely that you’d be able to find an upgrade on the waiver wire anyway. I think he goes. We’ll see what happens.
For me, it would be Vladimir Tarasenko. In this scenario, I’m inclined to side with the player who has the highest ceiling. And even though he’s been quiet lately, that’s still profoundly Tarasenko. Just chalk this cold streak up to the ebbs and flows of a long NHL season.
Good luck trying to find quality goaltending on the waiver wire this deep in the season. Lucky for you, Lehner’s back in the mix and, all things considered, he’s looked pretty good since returning to the Vegas lineup. I realize that’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but it’s the truth. Let’s hope Lehner can stay healthy.
The way he’s been playing, anything’s possible. That said, I still think Linus Ullmark will get ample opportunity to prove his worth down the stretch. Don’t forget, Swayman’s just 23. There will be ups, there will be downs. He’s just a kid, the Bruins have to be smart and calculated with his development plan.
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