Ranger Rumblings: Kravtsov latest, All-Stars and a legend passes

All-Star honors

Most fans of the New York Rangers are not upset that Leon Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.  It’s hard to argue against him, considering the season he had.  There’s no doubt that Artemi Panarin had a fabulous season, but Draisaitl was just as good, if not a little better.

It’s worth noting that Panarin did make the NHL First All-Star Team and that is a notable achievement on its own.   The last time a Ranger was a first team All-Star was in 2011-12 when Henrik Lundqvist received that honor.   It’s been 14 years since a Ranger skater was a First Team All-Star when Jaromir Jagr was honored in 2005-06.

The eight years between Lundqvist and Panarin is the second longest post-expansion All-Star drought in franchise history.   The Blueshirts went 12 years between selections from 1974 to 1986 (Brad Park to John Vanbiesbrouck).

Here are the New York Rangers First Team All-Stars since expansion:

• 2020 – Artemi Panarin -LW
• 20012 – Henrik Lundqvist – G
• 2006 – Jaromir Jagr – RW
• 1997 – Brian Leetch – D
• 1992 – Mark Messier – C,  Brian Leetch – D
• 1986 – John Vanbiesbrouck – G
• 1974 – Brad Park – D
• 1972 – Rod Gilbert – RW, Brad Park – D
• 1971 – Eddie Giacomin – G
• 1970 – Brad Park – D

Panarin is also only the second New York Rangers left wing to gain First All-Star Team honors.  In 1942 Lynn Patrick was the first and only other Ranger left wing to be named to the team.

Hopefully, Panarin’s selection  will kick off a streak of All-Star selections.  Between Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and the plethora of young prospects it’s a real possibility.