New York Rangers netminder Igor Shesterkin has swiftly ascended to become one of the NHL's premier goaltenders, dazzling fans with his acrobatic saves and Vezina Trophy-winning brilliance. While his on-ice heroics are undeniable, many fans often wonder about the stories behind the numbers worn by their favorite players. For Shesterkin, his iconic number 31 carries a narrative rooted in admiration and circumstance.
The Nabokov Connection and a Numbers Game
Shesterkin's journey to number 31 began with a childhood idol: legendary Russian goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, renowned for his stellar career, particularly with the San Jose Sharks. Nabokov famously wore number 20, and it was Shesterkin's dream to don the same digits when he made his NHL debut. However, upon arriving in New York, he quickly discovered that number 20 was already claimed by a Rangers stalwart, forward Chris Kreider. This forced Shesterkin to pivot, leading him to his now-signature number.
With his preferred number unavailable, Shesterkin opted for 31. It's a number he had worn briefly earlier in his career in Russia, specifically during his junior hockey days with Spartak Moscow's MHL team. Moreover, 31 is a classic goaltending number, often associated with elite netminders across hockey history. It was a comfortable and available choice that has since become synonymous with one of the most exciting goalies in the game, a symbol of his incredible success between the pipes for the Broadway Blueshirts.
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