Trio of Rangers stars recognized by peers in NHLPA poll
The NHLPA has posted their annual poll and three superstars on the New York Rangers have been recognized. Forward Artemi Panarin, defenseman Adam Fox, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin ranked very highly in several key categories.
According to the NHLPA:
“During the regular season, 639 NHL players were surveyed on 15 hockey-related questions. Players weighed in on a variety of topics, including top positional players, most complete player, best playmaker, best style, toughest arena to play in and more!“
When the polling was done, Panarin’s name appeared three times. Fox came up twice, and Shesterkin once.
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Three Rangers Recognized by Peers
Panarin, 32, is having a season for the ages in a Rangers sweater with 116 points (46 goals, 70 assists) in 79 games to date. That ranks him second all-time in franchise history for points in a single season behind Jaromir Jagr’s astounding 123 points during the 2005-06 campaign.
Per the NHLPA poll, the ‘Breadman’ finished fifth with 2.57% of votes for the forward you want on your team to win a single game. He was tied for fifth (3.95%) as the League’s best stick-handler and ranked fourth (7.56%) for best playmaker.
Fox, 26, is having an excellent season with 70 points (16 goals, 54 assists) in 69 contests. Despite being derailed by an injury in early November, his peers consider him the third best breakout passer in the game today with 10.44% of all votes. Additionally, he ranked fifth (2.42%) for the defenseman you want to help you win one game.
Finally, Shesterkin ranked the highest among Rangers in any single poll. When players were asked which goaltender they want in net to win a single game, he finished second with 6.49% of votes.
The 28-year-old backstop has rebounded after a slow start (by his standards) this season. In 53 appearances, his record stands at 34-17-2 with three shutouts. He currently boasts a GAA of 2.65 and a .910 save percentage.
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