Surprise statement from Rangers Artemi Panarin

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Ryan Hall
May 22, 2024 (6:50)

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The New York Rangers are preparing for game one against the Florida Panthers as the Eastern Conference final is set to begin, which has led Rangers super star Artemi Panarin to make a surprise statement.

"He's my best friend in hockey,"

Both Panarin and Bobrovsky we're teammates when Panarin was moved to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017. Both men formed a bond at a friendship that has since carried on after both men went their separate ways.

"First of all, he's an unbelievable guy, a great human," Panarin said. "We can talk about everything all day and we can say anything to each other. Some people you're just like, 'Hey,' and you have two things you can talk about, but with him we can talk about good things, not good things, and it doesn't matter. It's a very honest relationship, I would say."

Both players have had great playoffs thus far as Panarin has helped lead the Rangers throughout the season and into the third round. Panarin's play will be vital for the Rangers success as he will be forced to put the puck in the net past his best friend as many times as possible.

Panarin currently has 11 points of four goals and seven assists through 10 playoff games and Bobrovsky holds a record of 8-3 with the goals against of 2.37 and a save percentage of .902 through 11 playoff games.

It's going to be a fascinating series on how both teams will be prepared to face off against one another as both are extremely talented and tough to play against.

Game one will begin on May 22nd at Madison Square Garden and puck drop will be at 8:00 PM eastern.

Source: NHL.com - Panarin-Bobrovsky friendship to reach boundary during Eastern Final