Rangers' Jonathan Quick accomplishes a first for U.S. goaltenders
Veteran Jonathan Quick made 32 saves in a 1-0 victory for the New York Rangers on Wednesday, accomplishing a first for American-born netminders.
The 37-year-old's goose egg helped him become the first U.S. goaltender in NHL history to record 60 career shutouts.
One puck did get past Quick, who tried to corral the shot with his bare hand. However, an official view concluded that Pittsburgh was offside, wiping the goal from the scoreboard.
Quick has been everything the Rangers could've asked for in a backup to steady things behind starter Igor Shesterkin. Through six starts, Quick is 5-0-1 and became only the second goaltender in Rangers history to begin their tenure by recording points in each of their first six starts, joining Eddie Mio (1981-1982).
The two-time Stanley Cup champion has an overwhelming lead in shutouts by American-born goaltenders. Per Stathead, the next closest to Quick among active goalies are free agent Craig Anderson (43), Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck (32), Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson (24) and Alex Stalock (11), also a free agent.
With 60 shutouts to his name, Quick is now 19th on the all-time list, tied with former Nashville Predators All-Star Pekka Rinne. New Jersey Devils Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur holds the NHL record, 125.
It's a small sample size, but Quick has had a remarkable turnaround in the Big Apple. Splitting time with the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights last season, Quick went 16-15-6 with a 3.41 goals-against average and .882 save percentage, both the worst since his rookie year (3.84 GAA, .855 SV%). So far this year, Quick has already equaled his shutout total from last season (2) and leads the NHL in GAA (1.61) and save percentage (.940).
How long the retro run lasts for the two-time William M. Jennings Trophy winner remains to be seen. However, for now, the Rangers and Quick are enjoying the ride.
More must-reads: