The New York Rangers held it together for the most part in their battle against the red-hot Colorado Avalanche, but ultimately lost 6-3. They kept it close, but the game-winning goal from Nathan MacKinnon sealed the Blueshirts' fate.
Two empty-net goals later, and that is all she wrote.
Following the game, head coach Mike Sullivan had some words on one of the Rangers top forwards, Artemi Panarin, and his defensive effort. “I’ve had a lot of conversations with Artemi throughout the course of the season," Sullivan said. "We don’t expect him to be the best defensive player out there, but everyone’s required to play defense."
Expecting more from the top-scorer?
This is an interesting quote from Sullivan, but one that would resonate with the Rangers faithful. Even though Panarin has done his part on the offensive end, there needs to be a complete effort while on the ice. We all know how gifted No. 10 is with the puck on his stick, but you cannot pay a player to only skate and perform for the offensive 100 feet of ice.
Panarin has five goals on the year and has added 14 assists for 19 points. This season started slow for him, offensively, but there has been an uptick in production as of late. It has also been noticeable that he lacks consistency in trying to defend the opposing team, and that is causing a bit of a problem for the Rangers.
It is worth noting that when Captain J.T. Miller was caught with a bit of a lackluster defensive performance against Vegas, he answered the call-out with a two-goal performance. Talk about silencing the doubters.
Sullivan has every right to expect more from Panarin. Especially since this season is the final year of his current contract, and he is entering the middle of his 30s. Eventually, Panarin is not going to be able to be as fast as he currently is, and his game style will have to change. He is not the biggest body, but as long as he has the ability to stickcheck and sticklift, there has to be a sense of urgency in all aspects of the game when you are getting paid $11.642 million AAV.
Panarin has to adapt, or else his return as a Rangers superstar might not happen this offseason. Sullivan had superstars in Pittsburgh, many of whom were at the level of Panarin or higher, and they played more of a complete game. If anyone knows what they are talking about when talking about being a more defensive-minded player, it is Sullivan.