close
close

Mondor Festival

News with a Local Lens

Rangers backup goaltender set to make second straight start against NHL’s top-ranked team
minsta

Rangers backup goaltender set to make second straight start against NHL’s top-ranked team

November 9, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, United States; New York Rangers goalie Jonathan Quick (32) makes a save against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

THE New York Rangers received an elite goaltending performance from veteran backup Jonathan Quick in his most recent game against the Detroit Red Wings. The 38-year-old recorded his first shutout of the season in just his fourth start, showing he still has the skills to remain a world-class goaltender.

After shutting out the Red Wings 4-0 on Saturday afternoon, the Blueshirts’ next game is Tuesday night against the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets. In what will be an incredibly tough game, Quick is set to make his second straight start.

Jonathan Quick should start against the Jets

During Rangers training Monday afternoon, Colin Stephenson reported that Quick was the first goalie off the ice. This is a strong indicator that Quick will start Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, unless there is a last-second change.

October 26, 2024; New York, New York, United States; New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) plays the puck against Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Quick will face the league-leading Jets. Winnipeg started the season 14-1-0 with a +36 mark, the best start in NHL history. The Jets are a dangerous team in both zones and have an elite goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets may be the better team statistically, but Quick is on fire. During his four starts, Quick had an SV% of 0.964 with a GAA of 1.17. He is the NHL leader in both statistics.

What a second straight start means for the Rangers

With Quick playing back-to-back games, fans might start to wonder where Igor Shesterkin is. Shesterkin’s last game was dreadful, where the Russian goaltender allowed five goals and was pulled halfway through the game. Even though the Rangers appear to be riding the hot goaltender, Shesterkin or fans shouldn’t speculate too much.

With Quick leading the NHL in GAA and SV%, it makes sense for him to get the start against the best team in the NHL. Shesterkin has had a rough performance recently, but his status on the team shouldn’t be in question with this decision from Peter Laviolette.

Rangers fake trade, send struggling defenseman to 2014 SCF opponents