Rangers' Contender Status Questioned Following Shesterkin Loss
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A combination of injuries in goal and defensive lapses has shifted the perception of New York's championship viability.
The New York Rangers are currently grappling with a shift in their seasonal trajectory, leading to questions regarding their status as a legitimate Stanley Cup threat. As Sports Illustrated first reported, the team is no longer viewed as a contender, a sentiment echoed by Sara Civian of Bleacher Report.
Central to this decline is the loss of star goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who is out for the remainder of the season. In his absence, the Rangers have struggled, losing five of their last six games, including a current three-game losing streak. Sports Illustrated reports that the goaltending situation has become problematic, as 24-year-old Dylan Garand has been forced to shoulder a heavy workload. While Garand is noted for his talent, the outlet suggests that asking the developing player to serve as the starter has placed him in a difficult position.
New York is currently awaiting the return of Joonas Korpisalo to alleviate the pressure on Garand. Sports Illustrated notes that while Korpisalo is not of the same caliber as Shesterkin, a balanced split between him and Garand could stabilize the position.
Beyond the crease, Sports Illustrated reports that the team's struggles are compounded by defensive miscues and an offense that is unable to produce high-scoring outputs. Despite these challenges, the team is utilizing a current break in the schedule to regroup and seek health improvements before a scheduled matchup against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers this Sunday.