Analyzing NY Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes qualifying round series: Goaltending

We've analyzed thematchups of forwards and defensemen for the anticipated qualifying round series between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes. Now, we'll turn our attention to goaltenders...

New York Rangers

The most hotly debated Blueshirts' topic during the coronavirus pause has centered around which goalie they'll start against Carolina.

The trio of Henrik Lundqvist, Igor Shesterkin and Alexandar Georgiev make this a position of strength.

Lundqvist has an obvious edge when it comes to playoff experience, with a 2.28 goals against average and a .922 save percentage in 128 postseason games. He also has an extended track record of success against the 'Canes, including a 3-0 record with a .947 SV% against them this season.

His 45-save display in a Nov. 7 win in Carolina was his signature performance of the season. 

But by the time the pause hit, the 38-year-old's role had been severely diminished.

Shesterkin debuted on Jan. 7 and proceeded to run away with the title of No. 1 goalie, going 10-2 with a 2.52 GAA and a .932 SV%. 

By comparison, Lundqvist finished with a 3.16 GAA and a .905 SV%, while Georgiev posted a 3.04 GAA and a .910 SV%. (For the advanced stats crowd, Shesterkin's 9.34 goals saved above average also towered over Georgiev's 0.12 and Lundqvist's -4.16.) 

Of Lundqvist's 26 starts, only four came after Shesterkin was recalled. The Rangers were understandably delicate about making any public declarations, but their actions told the story.

Even when the 24-year-old rookie sustained a rib injury in a late-February car accident, Lundqvist mostly remained on the bench in favor of Georgiev. 

Rangers team president John Davidson has said they're going to keep an "open mind going into this thing," but I don't think there is much debate to be had.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Shesterkin will be the starter for Game 1 against the Hurricanes.

But I do believe Shesterkin's leash will be relatively short if he falters. In a five-game series, Rangers coach David Quinn doesn't have much room for error.

"The only thing I would say if I talk to Quinny the coach would be, ‘Listen, you have to make a decision who you’re going to play,' " Davidson said during a virtual chat with season-ticket holders last month. "The first round is a best-of-five (series) to get into the playoffs. We have to go with who you think is going to give us the best chance to win. That’s what this is about."

It's quite a luxury for the Rangers to have the option of turning to a future Hall of Famer — and with Georgiev, who is very capable in his own right, the Rangers are as deep in net as any team in the league. 

Carolina Hurricanes

The 'Canes dealt with injuries in goal — which led to Zamboni driver David Ayres entering in a memorable emergency situation on Feb. 22 — but should be back to full health for the series against the Rangers.

Petr Mrazek emerged as the starter leading into last season's run to the Eastern Conference finals and played more than any other Carolina goalie this season, but his performance didn't exactly cement his role. The 28-year-old posted a respectable 21-16 record with a 2.69 GAA, but his save percentage dropped to .905 from .914 the previous season.

Backup James Reimer was better in most statistical categories, going 14-6 with a 2.66 GAA and a .914 SV%. His GSAA was also better — a 3.38 compared to Mrazek's -5.35 — as was his .625 quality start percentage. (Mrazek's was .500.)

Is that enough to convince Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour to go with the 32-year-old journeyman? He's shown that he isn't shy about changing goalies.

Neither fared particularly well in the Hurricanes' four losses to the Rangers this season. Mrazek posted a 3.44 GAA and a .872 SV% in three starts, while Reimer allowed five goals with a lowly .792 SV% on Dec. 27.

Whichever goalie is picked to start Game 1 will likely need a positive result to stay in there for Game 2. I don't think anyone would be surprised to see both Mrazek and Reimer play in this series.

Who has the edge?

The Rangers are in the unique situation of having three options they feel confident in. Shesterkin has already shown the ability to rack up wins at the NHL level, and even though Lundqvist's game isn't what it used to be, he looms as a solid plan B due to his playoff experience and success against the Hurricanes.

Both teams face questions about which goalie will start, but New York's choices are much more enticing. 

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.