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.” |
Bohm and Harper lead the streaking Phillies to a sweep of the Nationals with 11Companies are trying to attract more smartphone users across Africa. But there are risksStolen antique weathervane recovered 40 years later and returned to VermontRussian court freezes assets of two German banks in gas project disputeAmerica's first Black astronaut candidate finally goes to space 60 years later on Bezos rocketGrand champion crowned 'Best in pork' at World barbecue championshipJacoby Brissett is embracing role of mentor during his 2nd stint with the Patriots6 people killed, 10 others injured in Idaho when pickup crashes into passenger vanPreakness winner Seize the Grey is likely running in the 1st Belmont at SaratogaOG Anunoby and Josh Hart are in the Knicks' starting lineup for Game 7 against the Pacers