The New York Rangers welcomed the Buffalo Sabres to Madison Square Garden Thursday night for an Eastern Conference match-up. Rangers fans have been struggling to find a silver lining from the game, however, as the Rangers were thumped 6-1 and Igor Shesterkin was pulled for backup Jonathan Quick in the second period.
The Silver Lining
The Blueshirts lone goal came via a Will Cuylle tip-in, assisted by Zac Jones and Artemi Panarin.
Jonesy with the set up + Cools deflects it. pic.twitter.com/QxWSw4SmFX
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 8, 2024
This assist brought Panarin to 800 career points, an achievement matched only by 18 other active NHL players.
Congrats Artemi on reaching 800. 👏 pic.twitter.com/hS4cITUkwU
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 8, 2024
Panarin's Season Thus Far
Panarin has been off to a hot start for the Rangers, tallying 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 12 games, while boasting a +4 rating. Currently, Panarin sits on pace for 129 points for the season- a number that would eclipse his career high total of 120 from last season. Panarin has been effective on the power play for the Rangers this season racking up six points (four goals, two assists), and helping to paper over some of the cracks that are beginning to show in Mika Zibanejad's game.
Panarin as a Ranger
During his career, The Breadman has played for three NHL teams; the Chicago Blackhawks (2015-2017), the Columbus Blue Jackets (2017-2019), and now the New York Rangers (2019-present). Panarin's best years, however, have come in New York. The 33-year-old has had all of his highest scoring campaigns in a Rangers jersey- barring the COVID shortened 2020-2021 NHL season, when Panarin played only 42 games, but was on pace for 110 points over a normal 82 game schedule.
Panarin has not only found regular season success as a Ranger, however. In his first five seasons with the team, Panarin and the Rangers have qualified for the postseason four times, and have made it to the Eastern Conference Final twice. While Panarin has been criticized at times for his playoff performances, during the Rangers two deep runs in the postseason, he has averaged .58 points per game, contributing in meaningful ways to the Rangers' relative success.
1,000 Points a Realistic Goal For Panarin
At just 33-years-old, Panarin likely has multiple NHL seasons left in his career. If the Rangers alternate captain can maintain his production from the last two seasons moving forward, it should only take a couple of years for Panarin to cross the 1,000 point threshold- a massive accomplishment that only 98 players in NHL history have achieved.