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Shesterkin backstops Rangers to top spot — Metropolitan Division roundup
On the strength of Igor Shesterkin’s standout night in a 4-2 win over Utah, the Rangers have moved into sole possession of first in the Metropolitan Division.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
Rangers ride Shesterkin into first place
The Metropolitan Division storyline ran straight through Manhattan on Sunday night. With a 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers used their lone divisional appearance of the evening to grab sole possession of top spot in the Metro at 6 points through 4 games (3-1-0).
Igor Shesterkin was once again the difference-maker. The goaltender turned aside 28 shots and even chipped in an assist in the victory, underscoring his strong start to the season. The result also handed Utah its first loss of the year, a solid early test passed by the Rangers in front of their home crowd.
With that performance, New York buys itself a bit of breathing room on the Pittsburgh Penguins, who sit second with 4 points in just two games (2-0-0). The Rangers also took advantage of a quiet night elsewhere in the Metropolitan, as no other team in the division was in action, to firm up their grip on first place for now.
Tight pack forming behind New York
Behind the Rangers, the Penguins remain perfect after two outings and will be worth watching as they still hold two games in hand on New York. The Carolina Hurricanes round out the early top three with 3 points in 3 games (1-1-1), slightly back but firmly in the mix in the opening days of the schedule.
The New York Islanders (1-1-0), Washington Capitals (1-1-0), Columbus Blue Jackets (1-1-0) and New Jersey Devils (1-1-0) all sit at 2 points. Their identical records speak to a Metropolitan Division that has yet to see any team, beyond the Rangers and Penguins, truly separate from the group.
The Philadelphia Flyers bring up the rear, also with 2 points but in three games (0-1-2). They remain attached to the pack on the strength of two overtime or shootout losses, even without a win on the board. For now, though, the Metro clearly runs through New York, with the Rangers using their win over Utah to establish themselves as the early team to chase.
Igor Shesterkin