Igor Shesterkin almost robbed the Florida Panthers of another game in the Eastern Conference Final.
The Russian is probably the favorite to win the Conn Smythe, as he has been playing for the Rangers in this series so far.
After an incredible Game 3 that the Rangers eventually won in overtime, much thanks to Shesterkin’s incredible goalkeeping, he nearly led the Rangers to a 3-1 series lead.
The Panthers were yet again controlling play and dominating offensively.
But Vincent Trocheck gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the first period, but the Panthers came back with two unanswered goals.
But they should’ve scored more and would’ve scored more if it wasn’t for Shesterkin.
When the Panthers lost Game 3, they won shot attempts with 108-43. On Tuesday, they had 88 shot attempts to Rangers’ 44. But Alexis Lafreniere tied the game, and it went to overtime.
But 59 seconds into the fourth frame, Blake Wheeler, who hasn’t played in months coming off a leg surgery, took a hooking penalty when Alexander Barkov raced in on a breakaway.
The Panthers could’ve been awarded a penalty shot, but instead, they got to play on the powerplay and finally beat Shesterkin.
Sam Reinhart scored the game-winner with a blaster over Shesterkin’s glove, and the Panthers have officially tied the series 2-2 as it’s headed back to New York.
Postgame, Paul Maurice, known for always saying exactly what he’s thinking during his pressers, said exactly what everyone is thinking about this series, and absolutely everyone agreed with every word he had to say.
”If you play really well and really hard, you’ve got a chance,” he said.
”I think it’s phenomenal hockey. It’s 2-2. It’s tight. It’s great saves at both ends. Incredible skill. Incredible speed. Physicality. Two teams with good leadership. Great skill.”
To finish things off, Maurice said:
”If you’re a fan of hockey, you’re going to get entertained.”
We couldn’t agree more. We are, indeed, very much entertained.
