St. Louis Blues head coach makes his feeling known on Igor Shesterkin following the Rangers 2-1 OT victory

After the Rangers earned a 2-1 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues, opposing head coach Jim Montgomery didn't hesitate when asked about Shesterkin's performance. His message was simple and telling. Shesterkin is elite, and he showed it.

Shesterkin stopped 26 of 27 shots, keeping the Rangers alive through long defensive stretches and heavy pressure, especially during the second and third periods. Without his calm presence, the Rangers never reach overtime.

The Blues generated quality looks from the slot and off the rush, but Shesterkin tracked pucks cleanly and controlled rebounds, forcing St. Louis to work for every inch of ice. His positioning stayed sharp even as traffic increased.

Montgomery's praise came postgame and carried weight because it came from the opposing bench. Coaches don't hand out compliments lightly, especially after losses.

Shesterkin's performance set the foundation for everything that followed. Gabe Perreault's first NHL goal tied the game. J.T. Miller's overtime winner sealed it. None of it happens without Shesterkin holding the line.

This season has tested the Rangers in uncomfortable ways, with scoring droughts and lineup uncertainty. Through it all, Shesterkin remains their backbone.

At 29, he continues to play like a goaltender capable of stealing games when margins disappear. That reputation isn't built on highlights alone, but on nights like this, when one goal against is all he allows.