The Rangers returned from the All-Star break with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over the high-powered Colorado Avalanche on Monday night.
Artemi Panarin scored the game-tying goal late in the third period, and Alexis Lafreniere netted the game-winner shortly into overtime, but leading the way for New York was goaltender Jonathan Quick.
Quick stood tall through a sluggish and penalty-filled start from his squad, stopping 12 of the 13 shots he faced in the first period, en route to a 32-save performance to secure his 11th victory of the season.
“Today was Quickie really just giving us a chance to win, and I feel like that’s something we get every night no matter who is in net,” Mika Zibanejad said. “We’re fortunate to have two great goalies, but Quickie’s been great, we’re extremely lucky and happy for him.”
After a rough season with the Kings and Golden Knights, the 38-year-old has certainly been outstanding with New York this year.
With Igor Shesterkin struggling to get into a groove after suffering a lower-body injury earlier this year, Quick has stepped up big time for New York, posting a 2.35 goals against average (fifth in NHL) and .918 save percentage (seventh in NHL) across 18 appearances.
He’s also been between the pipes for New York’s only two shutouts this season.
“It was just a great sign to bring him in to be part of the Rangers, close to where he wants to end his career after he’s done playing, back home in New York City, it’s been a great fit on and off the ice,” Peter Laviolette said.
“You think about the start of the year and not having Shesty for a stretch, which can derail teams, and yet we were able to stay on course with the way he played. The minutes and games he’s come in and given us have been outstanding.”
The locked-in Quick certainly has been outstanding, and with Shesterkin’s continued struggles, some have called for the veteran backup to see more playing time down the stretch in the second half.
Despite that, the veteran backup says his main focus remains the same.
“It doesn’t matter what your job is on the team,” Quick said. “You’re aware of it and you just try to make the most of it when you get the opportunity to step up and be there for your team.”
