Artemi Panarin is on a historical pace when projected through the 82 game season.
Currently, he has 18 points(8G, 10A). He is projected for 134 points(45G, 89A), which if you exclude Connor McDavid's insane 153 point mastery last season, would be the highest point total in nearly 30 years.
Mario Lemieux had a 161 point season in the 1995-1996 season.
Currently, those who stand in Panarin's way of accomplishing the first Art Ross Trophy win in Rangers history, is current league leaders Jack Hughes and Elias Pettersson, both with 20 points.
Hughes teammate, Jesper Bratt is tied with Panarin at 18 points. Hughes has been ruled out week-to-week from an upper body injury.
This could give the necessary time for Panarin to build a cushion between him and Hughes in points, leaving only Pettersson to pass and keeping Bratt at bay.
Connor McDavid's streak of three Art Ross Trophies is in danger of being broken, and unless he has an explosion the likes of which we have never seen, he will lose out to one of the previously mentioned players.
Considering he's been injured this year and his visible frustration with the Edmonton Oilers, this might be a down year for McDavid.
Panarin could make Rangers history if his incredible play continues. Let's just keep our fingers crossed for this!
Note: Last time a Rangers player led the league in points was 1942, Brian Hextall. The Art Ross Trophy was introduced in the 1947-1948 season.
POLL | ||
Do you think Artemi Panarin will register 120+ points this year? | ||
Yes | 46 | 51.7 % |
No | 43 | 48.3 % |
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