New York Rangers superstar has ghosted the organization
The New York Rangers did their best to beat the Florida Panthers during the Eastern Conference Finals.
Igor Shesterkin can be accused of doing his best to help the team move into the Stanley Cup finals.
That is counter to the other Russian on the team, Artemi Panarin who just scored one time, in six games against the Panthers. When the Rangers needed him most, his playoff performance was a detriment to the team.
This was coming off of Panarin's best regular season record posting 120 points( 49 G, 71 A).
The playoffs would continue and Panarin would continue to be a non-factor and didn't contribute when the Rangers were suffering.
The Panthers had effectively shut down Breadman and his stickhandling capabilities, which meant the Rangers weren't the same offensive unit they were that won the Presidents Trophy.
Panarin attempted to evade contact on ice, as the brutality on ice was evidence as the Panthers would finish their checks with prejudice against the Rangers. It was apparent, Matt Tkachuk and the Panthers had gotten in Panarin's head.
Drury: "I think it's a little bit of both."
As far as becoming "a heavier, more physical team," he mentioned having good internal candidates.
The Rangers shouldn't need Panarin alone to keep their offense running smoothly, but they also need him contributing on-ice. His disappearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, makes his $11 Million contract look like an albatross.
Peter Laviolette and the club need to emphasize this point to Artemi Panarin next season if the team is to win anything significant.
Source: The Hockey News
Artemi Panarin: A Superstar That Disappeared
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Should the Rangers trade Artemi Panarin? | ||
| Yes | 154 | 29.1 % |
| No | 375 | 70.9 % |
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