New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin demonstrated once again on Saturday that he is one of the world’s most dynamic and skilled players when the puck is on his stick.
Back in his native Russia, Panarin participated in an NHL vs. KHL all-star game alongside Sergei Bobrovsky, Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and many other Russian greats.
Panarin organized the event alongside Utah defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, bringing together some of the NHL’s best to face off against stars from the KHL, with proceeds going to charity. The event raised approximately $144,000.
Midway through the game, Panarin aimed to give the spectators their money’s worth. On a breakaway opportunity, he nearly scored a spectacular goal. Check it out here:
Perhaps the Breadman is refining new tricks for the upcoming season with the Rangers. The Michigan-type move showcases Panarin’s fun and creative side when he has time and space—something he lacked when the Blueshirts lost in six games to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final this past spring.
In the 8-8 tie, Panarin nearly scored an all-time great goal to give the NHL all-stars the edge. It was one of many memorable moments on the ice, all in the good name of charity.
Things get real for Artemi Panarin, Rangers when pursuit of Stanley Cup resumes in fall
Things will get much more serious in September when the Rangers open training camp and begin their quest for the Stanley Cup from square one. But for now, it’s good to see Panarin enjoying hockey and having fun. After setting a career high with 120 points last season, an uneven postseason performance sent him into the offseason on a down note.
For Panarin, the regular season has never been an issue. The problem, shared with the rest of New York’s core, has come in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Time and time again, this Rangers core has failed to get over the hump and achieve the ultimate goal.
In what seemed like a season destined for success, the Rangers fell short once again in 2023-24, marking the second time in three years they lost in the conference final. Panarin’s lack of goals until the final moments of the last game only added to his reputation, despite having four game-winners, including one in overtime, last postseason.
We saw Panarin enter last season with a new mindset after the Rangers were eliminated in the first round by the New Jersey Devils in 2023. Now, let’s see what he’s got in store for the coming season.
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