RALEIGH — Signed, sealed and now all that’s left for Igor Shesterkin and Vitali Kravtsov is to deliver the difference-making performances the Rangers expect when they arrive in New York.
Of course the Blueshirts aren’t expecting an immediate impact from the two Russians who on Friday made it official by signing three-year entry contracts a couple of days after their commitments to the KHL expired but big things are anticipated down the line.
Shesterkin, 23, has achieved near mythical status throughout Rangerstown off a succession of stunning seasons in Russia, going 24-3-1 with 10 shutouts this year with SKA while leading the KHL with a 1.