Panarin pulverizes Islanders in Rangers rout

Updated:

Before the Rangers signed Artemiy Panarin over the summer, the Russian had been heavily linked to the cross-town Islanders. But Panarin left money on the table to sign with the Blueshirts, and much like he did over the summer, Panarin made the Garden faithful very happy as he recorded five points to lead the Rangers to victory over the Islanders.

Jesper Fast – After the Islanders took the lead just 18 seconds into the game, the Rangers responded with a strong forecheck that resulted in Jesper Fast tying the game at one. The line of Panarin-Strome-Fast went to work and it ultimately resulted in Panarin getting a shot that was saved by Varlamov. However, Jesper Fast dove for the loose puck and knocked it into the net for his eighth goal of the season.

Just like he’s done throughout his career, Fast does whatever it takes to get the job done; whether he’s battling in the corners or going to the net for a juicy rebound. The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and you can bet he’ll want a pay raise from his current $1.85m AAV.

Chris Kreider – His days in New York may be numbered, but Kreider is doing all he can to convince Jeff Gorton not to trade the veteran winger. Kreider scored his 15th of the season, and his third in his last four games, by deflecting Panarin’s point shot behind Varlamov.

Adam Fox – It was the Long Island native Adam Fox that scored the eventual game-winner. After another extended shift in the Islanders zone, Fox took the pass from Panarin along the half-wall and headed for the opposing net. Fox made a move on the defender to create separation and found daylight between Varlamov and the post to give the Rangers a 3-1 lead.

Fox’s goal ended a long goal-scoring drought that dates back to the end of November. The rookie has 26 points on the year, and it could easily be argued that he deserves to be in the Calder conversation.

Artemiy Panarin – It was another fantastic night for Panarin, who, at the time of publishing, sits third in the NHL in points behind Edmonton’s dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Panarin added goals four and five of this game, giving the Islanders no hopes of a comeback and Rangers fans more reasons to cheer. Panarin’s goals were his 25th and 26th of the season as he continues to shine brightly on Broadway.

Panarin’s first tally came in the first minute of the third period, picking up the Islanders turnover and beating Varlamov on the backhand.

Panarin followed that beauty up with a five-hole shot that squeaked through the Islanders’ netminder. Unlike his first goal, Panarin got help from his linemates. Jesper Fast forced the turnover in the neutral zone where Ryan Strome picked up the loose puck. Strome sauced it over to Panarin, who found just enough room between the pads for the team’s fifth goal of the game.

Obviously, Panarin has been the team’s best offensive player this season, and the thought of him being with the Rangers for the next decade just warms the cockles.

Jacob Trouba – The cherry on top came from Jacob Trouba, who scored with a rocket from the point. Trouba’s goal was his seventh of the season, and he is on pace to match his points total from all of last season.

Alexandar Georgiev – Though the final score was 6-2, the young goaltender did have to make some key saves to keep his team ahead. Georgiev made 32 saves in the Rangers victory and earned his 11th win of the season.

Post Game Notes

  • Rangers defensemen recorded five points (two goals, three assists) in tonight’s game. Blueshirts defensemen have registered 130 points (36 goals, 94 assists) in 2019-20, and as of the conclusion of tonight’s game, Rangers defensemen have tallied more goals and more points than defensemen from any other NHL team this season.
  • The Blueshirts allowed two goals or fewer in a game for the 17th time this season. The Rangers have posted a 15-2-0 record when allowing two goals or fewer in a game in 2019-20.
  • The Rangers won 23 of 44 faceoffs in tonight’s contest (52.3%). The Blueshirts have posted a faceoff win percentage of 50.0% or better in each of the last four games and in six of the last seven contests.
  • According to NHL Stats and Information, Panarin is the second Ranger in franchise history who has registered three or more points in four consecutive home games (Andy Bathgate – Nov. 8 – Nov. 19, 1961). He has posted his 20th multi-point game of the season tonight, and he is tied for the NHL lead in multi-point games in 2019-20.
  • In five games against Metropolitan Division opponents this season, Georgiev has posted a 4-1-0 record, along with a 2.01 GAA, a .945 SV, and 1 SO.

Next Game: The Rangers face the Islanders at NYCB Live on Thursday night. Puck drops at 7!

LETS GO RANGERS!!

Post-game notes courtesy of the Rangers

Mentioned in this article:

More About: