NEW YORK — In a disappointing performance, Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin was replaced early in the second period during a game against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Shesterkin surrendered five even-strength goals on 21 shots, prompting the coaching staff to turn to backup Jonathan Quick, a former member of the Kings.

Shesterkin’s struggle began in the first period, where he allowed two goals and followed that up by conceding three more in just over five minutes of the second. The goals by Quinton Byfield, Adrian Kempe, and Phillip Danault came in quick succession, sending Shesterkin to the bench as the Rangers faced a 5-1 deficit. The defeat marked the team’s ninth loss in their last 12 games, as the Kings secured their seventh win in eight outings.

“It was a horrendous first period,” expressed Rangers coach Peter Laviolette after the match. He highlighted the team’s failure to perform effectively at home, stating that such a poor start makes winning the game exceedingly difficult.

Shesterkin, who signed a substantial eight-year contract extension worth $92 million earlier this month, has had an inconsistent season. The 28-year-old goaltender was recognized for his excellence when he won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender for the 2021-22 season, boasting an impressive record of 36 wins against 13 losses along with a goals-against average of 2.07. His performance in subsequent seasons has been commendable, with 37 wins in 2022-23 and 36 wins last year, leading the Rangers to finish with the best record in the NHL.

However, Shesterkin’s recent play raises concerns, as he had also been pulled from a home game against Buffalo on November 7 after allowing five goals. The Rangers, known for their previous dominance at Madison Square Garden, have seen a decline this season, holding a 7-8-1 record at home. In fact, they have allowed five or more goals in six out of their last ten home games, reflecting a troubling trend.

As the Rangers sit with an overall record of 15-13-1, they are scheduled to play six out of the next seven games on the road, where they have performed better, holding an 8-5-0 record thus far. Forward Vincent Trocheck emphasized the need for improvement, asserting, “At the end of the day, you need to perform on the ice. You need to make sure you show up and give it your all every shift. Right now, I feel like we’re not doing that.”