Igor Shesterkin anchors the NHL’s goalie elite, with Connor Hellebuyck and Sergei Bobrovsky close behind. Andrei Vasilevskiy sits in the next tier, then Juuse Saros, Illya Sorokin, and Jeremy Swayman. Frederik Andersen and Darcy Kuemper round out the top 10, offering durability and playoff pedigree.

Context matters as much as talent: regular-season metrics mingle with playoff performance and team support. Shesterkin remains the anchor; Kuemper and Andersen provide steady workloads and potential streaming wins when the schedule is dense.

Igor Shesterkin anchors a New York Rangers turnaround saga, with a summer roadmap that centers on regaining elite form after a franchise-record extension raised the temperature on every night the puck leaves his stick. The discussion weighs worst-case risk (mid-season funks, veteran pressure) against best-case returns (playoff-elite, leadership emergence) and emphasizes the need for stronger support from teammates and a cleaner start to the campaign. The topic also contrasts Shesterkin’s artistry with the realities of a volatile goalie position and the risks and rewards of paying top dollar for a perennial big-game performer.

Artemi Panarin’s pivotal presence and Dylan Garand’s progression offer a broader lens: the Rangers’ ceiling hinges on both stabilizing goaltending and tighter team cohesion. The panel flags Demko, Oettinger, Vasilevskiy, Bobrovsky, and Quick as benchmark playoff enforcers, underscoring that the best path to a deep run involves a multi-cat effort—hot goalie nights, timely scoring, and a defense that keeps chances reasonable. All of this sets the stage for a high-stakes, eye-popping 2025-26 for the Rangers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's forward group remains a prime target for fantasy hockey players, showcasing a wealth of potential with at least five players likely to be picked in the early rounds of drafts. Notably, Brandon Hagel has emerged as a standout, following a significant breakout season and proving to be a dual-eligible player with explosive offensive contributions. Braden Point is also featured prominently, noted for his speed and scoring ability, making him a strong candidate for fantasy leagues.

Andre Vasilevskiy provides a solid backbone as the team's elite goalie, essential for any fantasy roster. With a history of high save percentages and consistent performance, he should be a top pick. Finally, Nikita Kucherov stands out as a top-five candidate, known for his high point production and playmaking skills, making him indispensable in any fantasy lineup. Overall, the Lightning's roster offers a mix of reliability and explosive potential, making them a strategic choice for fantasy enthusiasts.

Jamie Phillips, a former professional goalie and current goalie coach, joins the podcast to discuss his career journey, including his time at Michigan Tech and his experiences in the NHL. He recounts memorable stories, including a tense flight with Dustin Bufflin during the Jets' playoff run, where circumstances led to a humorous and anxiety-filled seven-hour trip. Phillips shares insights into the struggles of being a goalie, addressing misinformation in the goalie community, and the physical demands of the position, particularly regarding hip health.

Throughout the conversation, they explore the challenges faced by goalies, especially shorter players, and the impact of injuries stemming from the butterfly style. With a focus on evidence-based training, Phillips emphasizes the importance of proper technique and the need for goalies to work harder to compensate for their size. The episode also touches on Phillips's academic journey, as he pursues a doctorate in physical therapy, highlighting his commitment to improving the quality of training for goalies.