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Panarin and Zibanejad: The Most Dynamic Duo?

By Jake Mozarsky

Artemi Panarin #10 and Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers celebrate a 5-4 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Artemi Panarin #10 and Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers celebrate a 5-4 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders is tripped up by Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders is tripped up by Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

New York Islanders: Matt Barzal and Brock Nelson

Statistically it’s no contest. Nelson and Barzal combined for 114 points. Panarin almost single handedly beat that, tallying 95. Add in Zibanejad’s 75 points and their 170 trounces the Islander duo.

Verdict: Panarin and Zibanejad. Even though Barzal has shown flashes of stardom,  the best Islander forward hasn’t reached either of their levels. To be honest, Nelson shouldn’t even be in this conversation.

new york rangers
Nico Hischier #13, Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New Jersey Devils (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

New Jersey Devils: Nico Hischier and Kyle Palmieri

If the Islanders were not close, would you really think the Devils would be? Palmieri only had 45 points and was the teams’ leading scorer. Maybe Lindy Ruff can help him get to 60 next year. Hischier has shown steady improvement since his first overall draft selection, but he isn’t there yet.

Verdict: Panarin and Zibanejad. Not even a conversation.

new york rangers
Jack Eichel #15 of the Buffalo Sabres speaks to his teammate and Sam Reinhart #23 (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhardt

While the Sabres aren’t in the Metropolitan area, we’ll include them in our comparison as they are a New York team. It is clear that Eichel is one of the elite players in the NHL. Reinhardt has not reached the level to be called a superstar, but it can be argued that he is getting there. But, with 50 points this year, he isn’t there yet.

Verdict: Panarin and Zibanejad. This was closer than the Islanders and Devils, but two superstars are much better than one.

Now that we’ve made it clear that Panarin and Zibanejad are one of the best duos in the league and the best in New York and the Metro area by far, let’s move on to other sports.

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