The New York Rangers 3-2 overtime victory over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night marked the midway point of their season. Currently sitting in sixth place in the metropolitan division, and four points out of a wild card berth, the season has failed to meet expectations. With numerous marquee players underperforming, there is one who has managed to exude greatness — Artemi Panarin.
Last season, Panarin reached career-defining heights. Playing all 82 games, he put up a gaudy 120 points, including 49 goals. While the chances he comes within breathing distance of those numbers this season are slim, he still paces the team in multiple relevant categories: goals (17), points (44), and power play points (14). His 82 game pace of 92 points would match his 2022-23 total.
Unfortunately for the Breadman, he missed two contests this season. However, if the Rangers can solve their woes on the power play, he might even meet or even surpass his 22-23 number.
Despite scoring just twice in his past 14 games, including a tally in last night's victory, Panarin still sits 24th in points amongst all players. He has scored or assisted on 37% of his team's goals. Of the 23 players with more points, only ten have accounted for a higher percentage of their team's goals. Even while being thwarted by an anemic offense, Panarin's star refuses to dim.
There are undeniable drawbacks to Panarin's game. He does not defend well. He still does stupid stuff at the blue line. But he scores goals and racks up assists unlike almost any other player in franchise history. He carries himself like a professional, but plays the game with a childlike joy.
Panarin is the defining player of this era of Ranger hockey. He wanted to be a Ranger, and he has done just about everything in his power to make sure nobody else wears the number ten for the franchise again. Even in a down season, he dazzles. "The Breadman" continues to deliver, making him the team's most valuable player of 2024-25 so far.