Igor Shesterkin's 2021-22 season was nothing short of spectacular, a campaign so dominant that it placed him squarely in the Hart Trophy conversation. While the award ultimately went to Auston Matthews, the fact that Shesterkin, a goaltender, was even a finalist speaks volumes about the impact he had on the New York Rangers. He finished third in the voting, behind Matthews and Connor McDavid.

The Hart Trophy is awarded annually to the player deemed most valuable to his team. Historically, it's an award dominated by forwards, those who rack up goals and assists, the tangible statistics that capture the imagination. For a goalie to break through that established narrative requires a truly exceptional performance, one that transcends the numbers and embodies the very essence of "value."

Shesterkin's numbers were indeed staggering. He posted a league-leading 2.07 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. In a league increasingly driven by offensive firepower, Shesterkin stood as an impenetrable wall, single-handedly stealing games for the Rangers and injecting a sense of confidence that permeated the entire team. His .935 even strength save percentage was the best among goalies. He also recorded a league-leading 26.38 goals saved above average.

Beyond the raw statistics, it was the timing and importance of Shesterkin's saves that truly elevated his game. He consistently made game-changing stops, bailing out his teammates and preserving leads. The Rangers' success was inextricably linked to Shesterkin's brilliance; without him, their season would have undoubtedly taken a drastically different turn.

The Rangers' netminder also posted a 36-13-4 record. The team finished with 52 wins that season. Shesterkin was also voted as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.

Consider the historical context. Goalies are rarely recognized as the league's most valuable player. The last goaltender to win the Hart Trophy was Carey Price in 2015. Before Price, it was Jose Theodore in 2002 and before that, Dominik Hasek in 1997 and 1998. The rarity of a goalie winning the Hart underscores the bias towards offensive players and the difficulty netminders face in garnering the same level of recognition.

Shesterkin's stellar play propelled the Rangers to a 52-win season and a deep playoff run. While the team had other talented players, it was Shesterkin who served as the backbone, the constant presence that allowed the team to compete with the league's elite. His impact extended beyond the ice, instilling a belief and confidence within the team and among the fanbase.

While Auston Matthews had a remarkable season, becoming the first player in a decade to score 60 goals, Shesterkin's value to his team was arguably greater. Matthews had a strong supporting cast, while Shesterkin was often the sole reason the Rangers were able to secure victories. The "most valuable player" isn't necessarily the one with the most points, but the one whose absence would be most detrimental to his team's success.

Ultimately, the Hart Trophy is a subjective award, and voters often prioritize offensive statistics. However, Igor Shesterkin's 2021-22 season served as a powerful reminder of the immense value a truly elite goaltender can bring to a team. While he may not have won the award, his performance cemented his place among the league's best and sparked a debate about the true meaning of "most valuable." He was the first goalie voted as a finalist since 2021-22.