Igor Shesterkin’s All Star nod comes with surprising Artemi Panarin snub

The Rangers’ No. 1 goalie will represent the Rangers at All Star Weekend once again. Igor Shesterkin was selected to participate in the three day best of the best showcase in Toronto from Feb. 1 3. It’s the second time the Russian netminder has been chosen for the event in his five year career, and his second consecutive year representing the Blueshirts.

Shesterkin had accumulated a 15 8 0 record, 2.83 goals against average and a .906 save percentage entering Thursday night’s game against the Blackhawks. Before the Rangers’ 6 1 loss to the Hurricanes on Tuesday, Shesterkin had won five straight after an 0 3 skid. His 15 wins were tied with Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner for the fourth most in the NHL.

All 32 teams have one player chosen to compete in the All Star Game. The NHL All Star Fan Vote will select the remaining 12 players (eight skaters and four goalies). Artemi Panarin, ranked fourth in the NHL in points, was not included in the initial round of selections..