NEW YORK _ In their own subtle way, the Rangers are sending signals that Igor Shesterkin is their No. 1 goalie.
This unique three-goalie setup can make the pecking order look messy. The Rangers are walking a delicate tightrope with two other quality goalies on the roster _ Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev _ attempting to keep all three sharp while weighing game-by-game matchups.
They've been doing it for 13 games since Shesterkin's Jan. 6 recall from AHL Hartford.
In that time, Shesterkin is slowly but surely emerging as the go-to option. He's received six starts, compared to four for Georgiev and three for Lundqvist. But what's even more telling is the Rangers' record when Shesterkin starts.
Sunday's 4-1 win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings improved it to five wins in those six starts.
"He certainly is playing the best so far," Rangers coach David Quinn said when asked if Shesterkin has emerged as his best goalie.
The 24-year-old rookie faced his second-highest NHL shot total, finishing with 41 saves.
The Kings had a handful of scoring chances from close range, with Shesterkin repeatedly making quick-twitch stops and showing his poise under duress.
All six of Shesterkin's starts have come at home. But with the Rangers (27-23-4) about to embark on a three-game road trip _ and clinging to long playoff odds _ it stands to reason that he'll get his first taste of playing as a visitor soon.
If that happens for Tuesday night's game in Winnipeg against the Jets, consider it yet another sign that Shesterkin has emerged as the Rangers' top goalie.
