The Rangers' Backup Goalie Woes: Quick's Struggles Continue
The New York Rangers' season has been a rollercoaster, and their backup goaltender, Jonathan Quick, is at the center of another disaster. Quick's 800th career start began with a bang, but quickly turned into a nightmare for the Blueshirts.
In just three games, Quick has been pulled twice, a rare occurrence for any goaltender. The latest incident occurred during the Rangers' game against the Senators, with 7:37 left in the second period, after he allowed six goals. Quick's performance has been under scrutiny, with a .647 save percentage and 16 goals allowed in the last three games, including a 10-2 loss at Boston.
The Rangers' defense has been a liability, with porous coverage leading to goals like the one that bounced off Braden Schneider's skate. Quick's struggles are a stark contrast to the team's belief in him, especially after Igor Shesterkin's injury. Shesterkin, the winningest American-born goalie in NHL history, is on injured reserve, forcing Quick to take on the starting role.
Quick's future as the starter remains uncertain, with head coach Mike Sullivan stating that injured players are 'a little further away' from returning. The fans' frustration is palpable, with Spencer Martin, a former KHL player, taking over for Quick and receiving mock claps after each puck play. The Senators' players, including Drake Batherson and Brady Tkachuk, capitalized on the Rangers' weaknesses, scoring six goals in total.
The Rangers' season has been a challenging journey, and Quick's performance has been a major concern. With Shesterkin's injury, the team must find a solution to their goaltending woes quickly, or risk a complete collapse.
