The New York Rangers' goaltending duo of Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick had a season of contrasts, but one thing was clear: a more consistent defensive structure made their jobs easier. After a 2024-25 campaign where effort and execution on defense were inconsistent, the Rangers tightened up in 2025-26, giving their netminders a steadier foundation.
That doesn't mean it was all smooth sailing. The Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference with a 34-39-9 record and 77 points, eight fewer than the previous season. But dig into the numbers, and you'll see real improvement. The team's goals-against average dropped from 3.11 to 3.04, and they allowed fewer shots on goal—28.8 per game compared to 29.9 in 2024-25. While they still ranked 15th in team defense, it was a step in the right direction.
For Igor Shesterkin, the season was a showcase of elite talent. In the first year of his record-setting eight-year, $92 million contract ($11.5 million annually), he earned every penny. Often left without offensive support—especially at home—Shesterkin kept the Rangers competitive night after night. He tied for third among NHL goalies (min. 30 games) with a .912 save percentage and ranked sixth in goals saved above expected at 21.3, per MoneyPuck. His 2.50 goals-against average was solid, but the real story was his workload: before an early January injury, he faced more shots than any other goalie in the league.
Jonathan Quick, the veteran backup, provided steady relief when called upon, benefiting from the same defensive improvements. While not as flashy as Shesterkin, Quick's experience and poise gave the Rangers a reliable second option.
Two other goalies saw limited action: Dylan Garand impressed in three late-season starts, and Spencer Martin struggled over six games (four starts) during Shesterkin's month-long absence. Neither played enough for a fair NHL grade, but Garand will be featured in our upcoming rookie report card.
In a season where wins were hard to come by, the Rangers' goaltending was a bright spot. Shesterkin, in particular, proved he's worth every dollar of that historic contract, giving fans plenty to cheer for even when the scoreboard didn't cooperate.