Igor Shesterkin's Shootout Success Reaches Elite Levels for Rangers

The star Russian goaltender has the best shootout save percentage in franchise history.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After stopping all three Penguins shooters in the Rangers' shootout win on Saturday, Igor Shesterkin's .738 save percentage in the skills competition is the best in franchise history. Shesterkin, who is ranked 5th in the NHL in shootout save percentage since his debut in 2019-20, has stopped 62 of the 84 shootout attempts he's faced in his seven-year career.

Why it matters

Shesterkin's elite shootout performance provides a significant advantage for the Rangers in close games that are decided in the skills competition. His ability to consistently stop opposing shooters has been a key factor in the team's success, especially as they push for a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.

The details

Shesterkin's .738 shootout save percentage is the best in Rangers history. He trails only Juuse Saros (.806), Elvis Merzlikins (.747), Jordan Binnington (.705) and Jake Oettinger (.739) for the top shootout save percentages in the NHL since the 2019-20 season. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan called Shesterkin "the best goalie in the game" and said it's "comforting" to have him in net for shootouts.

  • Shesterkin stopped all three Penguins shooters in the Rangers' shootout win on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Shesterkin has a .913 save percentage on the season after stopping 52 of 57 shots in his first two games back from a 13-game absence due to a lower-body injury.

The players

Igor Shesterkin

A star Russian goaltender for the New York Rangers who has the best shootout save percentage in franchise history at .738.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers who called Shesterkin "the best goalie in the game" and said it's "comforting" to have him in net for shootouts.

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What they’re saying

“It's comforting, I'm not gonna lie. I think he's the best goalie in the game. Just this compete level. He's an elite player, and so it's comforting to have him between the pipes, whether it be in the shootout or anytime, for that matter. He has the ability to change the outcome of a game.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach

“He's one of the best players in the league. Of course, it's pretty tough for us to lose a player of that caliber. I hope he enjoys the trade. We wish him all the best.”

— Igor Shesterkin

What’s next

The Rangers will face the Blue Jackets on Monday night at Madison Square Garden as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the final 23 games of the season.

The takeaway

Igor Shesterkin's elite shootout performance has been a key factor in the Rangers' success this season, providing a significant advantage in close games that are decided in the skills competition. His ability to consistently stop opposing shooters has cemented his status as one of the best goalies in the NHL.