The Collapse Of Shesterkin's Game Has Reached Scary Proportions

Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom's cap hit for New Jersey is $4.125 million. Right now, Igor Shesterkin's projected salary is worth half that figure, if that much.

This was proven to both the naked eyes of the usual MSG full house last night and even to the most ardent Shesty defenders in the media. It was 5-1 New Jersey and not even close.

It wasn't just that Iggy lost yet another game to a solid team; it's the manner in which his continuing collapsing – five-straight-losses – game unfolded.

The fella, who believes he should be the NHL's highest-paid player, was outplayed by a ton at the other end. Markstrom made 38 saves. Shesterkin made 23 saves, gave up five goals and skipped the media post-game.

It's no coincidence that once goalie guru Benny Allaire exited the team, Shesty's game went South to Tahiti; and apparently still is there.

This all-team slump has affected everyone but Brett (Go-G0) Berard who's nursing an injury. Formerly-injured Fiery Fil Chytil and currently useless Reilly Smith each managed no shots on goal.

"They were disengaged from the start against the Devils," explained one media type who preferred anonymity. "Shesterkin is 2-7 in his last nine. Seems like he's the one who should be on the trading block. Of course he was nowhere to be found post-game."

These Rangers usually lose when they give up the first goal early in the game. It's already become a tradition that has to be giving coach Peter Laviolette migraines. If you don't believe me, listen up to Lavvy while he still has his job.

"I hate the first goal!" was The Man's pithy pronouncement.

Just to give the majestic mentor more conniptions, Shesty – the sometimes stopper – gave up a second goal faster than you can say, "Yank The Sieve."

According to The Maven's arithmetic, that's two goals on four shots; which is okay if we're talking about the Long Island City Roller Hockey League; of which I was a proud member of the Woodside Whippets.

I close this sad missive with a silver lining.

Next up for the bumbling Blueshirts are four ultra-Humpty teams starting Friday when Pitt comes to town followed by Seattle and Chicago; then a jetting to Buffalo.

Hey, they could have an easy eight points by then and this 5-1 debacle will be as forgotten as my all-time favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Browns!