Who to start · 2025-26
Igor Shesterkin vs Joel Hofer
In 2025-26, Igor Shesterkin posted a .912 save percentage to Joel Hofer's .910.
Against our expected-goals model, Shesterkin saved +18.8 goals and Hofer +15.2.
This week Shesterkin has 1 game left (about 0.8 expected starts) with 1 tough matchup; Hofer has 1 left (about 0.0 expected starts) with 1 tough matchup. We project Shesterkin for 1.5 ESPN points to Hofer's 0.1.
Igor Shesterkin has the better number in 8 of the 11 stats both are ranked on.
Shesterkin's biggest edges: High-danger save % .843, Overtime losses 6, Goals-against average 2.50.
Hofer's biggest edges: Rebounds prevented /100 +2.70, Shutouts 6, Goals against 114.
- • 2026-27 so far: 2 GP, 1 W, .935 SV%.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 W, 1.000 SV%.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Igor Shesterkin
2.43
fantasy points per game
Joel Hofer
3.01
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Joel Hofer has the edge.
| Points per game from | Shesterkin | Hofer |
|---|---|---|
| Wins (+4) | 1.97 | 2.21 |
| Goals against (-2) | -4.71 | -4.65 |
| Saves (+0.2) | 5.00 | 4.95 |
| Shutouts (+3) | 0.06 | 0.39 |
| OT losses (+1) | 0.12 | 0.11 |
Per-game rates from the selected sample; blended mixes last season with this season, weighting this season more as games are played. Categories are scored as z-scores against qualified players at the same position. Your custom weights are saved in this browser only.
Head-to-head: Shesterkin vs Hofer
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2023-24 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Games against each other
| Date | Score | Shesterkin | Hofer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-18 | NYR 2–1 STL | 26/27 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2025-11-24 | NYR 3–2 STL | 19/21 SV | 18/21 SV |
| 2024-12-15 | NYR 2–3 STL | 0/0 SV | 26/28 SV |
| 2024-11-25 | NYR 2–5 STL | 39/43 SV | 27/29 SV |
| 2024-03-09 | NYR 4–0 STL | 26/26 SV | 0/0 SV |
| 2024-01-11 | NYR 2–5 STL | 15/19 SV | 0/0 SV |
Every stat, side by side
Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.
This week's schedule
Sep 28 to Oct 4. More games usually wins a weekly start/sit. Chips show how many fantasy points the opponent allows to the player's position (soft or tough), the Schedule Edge from rest and travel, and the likely opposing goalie with his save percentage. Projections use ESPN default points for the games left.
Igor Shesterkin
4games (1 left)
1.5proj. ESPN pts
About 0.8 expected starts
- Tue, Sep 29 @ BOSOpp allows 11th-fewest FP to GLikely vs Jeremy Swayman (.908)
- Thu, Oct 1 vs TBLOpp allows 2nd-most FP to GLikely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
- Fri, Oct 2 @ DETB2BOpp allows 3rd-most FP to GSchedule edge −9.3 win%Likely vs John Gibson (.901)
- Sun, Oct 4 vs UTA81% to start1.5 ptsOpp allows 7th-fewest FP to GSchedule edge +9.3 win%Likely vs Karel Vejmelka (.897)
Joel Hofer
2games (1 left)
0.1proj. ESPN pts
About 0.0 expected starts
- Fri, Oct 2 @ DALOpp allows the most FP to GLikely vs Jake Oettinger (.899)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ COLB2B3% to start0.1 ptsOpp allows the fewest FP to GSchedule edge −13.4 win%Likely vs Scott Wedgewood (.921)
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Igor Shesterkin or Joel Hofer?
- In 2025-26, Igor Shesterkin posted a .912 save percentage to Joel Hofer's .910. Against our expected-goals model, Shesterkin saved +18.8 goals and Hofer +15.2. Confirm the starter on game day; workload and back-to-backs decide most goalie starts.
- Who is better, Igor Shesterkin or Joel Hofer?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Igor Shesterkin leads in 8 of 11 stats where both qualify, from scoring and power-play production to on-ice shot share and NHL EDGE tracking.
- How have Shesterkin and Hofer done against each other?
- In 6 games against each other in our data, Shesterkin's team went 3–3.
2025-26 regular season from NHL play-by-play, shift charts and NHL EDGE, processed by Edgehalla. Head-to-head covers every loaded season (play-by-play from 2019-20; on-ice matchups from 2025-26).Compare other players →