Artemi Panarin was an established offensive player before he signed with the New York Rangers in 2019. He has only boosted his numbers since then and is coming off a career year going into the playoffs. The Russian forward averaged 29 goals and 51 assists in his first four seasons with Chicago and Columbus. Since coming to New York, he’s topped 90 points every year except for the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon had higher point totals and figure to dominate the Hart Trophy discussions for NHL MVP but Panarin is right there. He finished fifth in goals (49) and assists (71) and fourth in points (120). His goals and points were both career highs. “Those three letters describe him very, very precise,” teammate Mika Zibanejad said. “I think he the way he takes control over games, comes up with big-time goals and big-time plays, he’s always been one of the best but he’s really — in a weird way to say — he’s taken another step and it’s awesome to see.” |
Analysis: How Inter Milan won its 20th Serie A title and Inzaghi his first as coachLowry, Connor propel Jets to 7Ministry of Defence gives Ukrainian soldiers free cigarettesForward Cody Williams declares for the NBA draft after a single season at ColoradoSmuggling of used cars into North Korea rises amid postThe body of a kayaker has been recovered after he vanished last week in IndianapolisBill allowing parents to be fined for child's criminal offenses heads to Tennessee governorPhilippine troops kill 12 suspected Muslim rebels in clash that wounded seven soldiersBill allowing parents to be fined for child's criminal offenses heads to Tennessee governorChiefs sign coach Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach, team president Mark Donovan to contract extensions