New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin is a new man.
The 27-year-old Russian smiles when he speaks to the media.
“I’m so happy,” said the man whose comments were reported by nhl.com. I’m really looking forward to the start of a new season. I missed hockey and my teammates.
“I want to have a positive attitude every day,” Shesterkin continued. Last year I was constantly angry at myself for not playing the way I wanted. I hope everything will be different this year. I will be happier and I will enjoy talking to you [les médias].”
However, the goalkeeper did not have a bad season in the 2022-2023 season. He maintained a record of 37-13-8, a save percentage of .916 and a goals-against average of 2.48.
“I was definitely too hard on myself,” he analyzed. I think you remember how I felt during training. I was so frustrated and didn’t want to talk to anyone except my family.
Too much on his mind
During the last offseason, Shesterkin noticed that he was thinking too much about his performance, even when he was on the ice.
“I don’t have to think about anything, just go for it, stop and concentrate. Last season I started thinking too much before a shot, before a pass and making the first move. It was easier for the attackers to score.”
“I kept thinking about the games and practices after they were over,” Shesterkin added. I thought about what I had done right or wrong. I don’t have to do this anymore. I was thinking too much and it wasn’t easy to be ready for my games. I’m just a hockey player. I don’t need to worry. I have to keep things simple.”