Novikov compared the confrontation between Shesterkin and Vasilevsky with a duel between Pushkin and Dantès

Honored coach of Russia Yuri Novikov compared the confrontation between Russian goalkeepers Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers) and Andrei Vasilevsky (“Tampa Bay Lightning”) in the Stanley Cup semi-finals with the duel of Alexandre Pouchkine and Georges Dantès, noting that in the end “only one survives” of the rivals.

The Rangers-Tampa Eastern Conference Finals will begin on June 1.

– For me, it is already certain that the fight for the highest awards boils down to a duel of two goalkeepers who face each other and fight like Pushkin and Dantès. And other hockey players run among themselves, no offense will be said to them. Vasilevsky is understandably out of competition, but Shesterkin just shows a great game. We will encourage both, but unfortunately only one survives in a duel. Our caretakers stand out for their love for their job, despite the fact that it’s not even dog’s work, it’s harder.

I think the NHL should upgrade the contracts of all goaltenders, introduce an injury bonus and remove goaltenders from the payroll. And the level of understanding the game, our hockey IQ is higher. I even feel sorry for the Canadian goaltenders, because today they are behind in the development of hockey, while the Russians are ahead. Therefore, Shesterkin vs Vasilevsky is just a fantastic super series.

Vasilevsky is a block, in texture, in size. Shesterkin compensates for the lack of size with an understanding of the game, a brilliant reaction. He’s even a better passer than the defenders! Difficult to say who will win this duel of goalkeepers. The help of actors in the field will be of great importance. They must understand responsibility. Future defenders should also be able to save their own gates, RB Sport quote Novikov.

RB Sports