Artemi Panarin is now in his fifth season with the New York Rangers. And almost every single year, the chatter seems to center on who’d line up alongside him come playoff time.
“I’ve played with lots of other people over the last five years, I’m used to it,” Panarin said. “Thank god I don’t have to worry about figuring that out. I just play hockey and try to bring my best.”
Fortunately for all parties, the best options this year are internal: Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere.
Last year, the Rangers brought in Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane, and Tyler Motte to try and make a difference – only for the team to flame out early. This year, with the growth of Lafreniere’s game, there isn’t as big of a concern to add big names to the top six.
Panarin and Trocheck clicked last season, but Lafreniere’s rise in his career season helped give the Rangers its best – and most consistent – variation of the top line.
“I just think (Lafreniere has) grown in everything,” Panarin said. “He works more, he wants more, more confident – he’s getting more ice time. From my standpoint, it gives me more opportunities, which gives me more confidence, and step by step, lots of things go well together.”
Panarin is fifth in the NHL with 79 points in 59 games, setting a career-high of 33 goals. If he keeps at his current pace, he’ll surpass the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. Trocheck, meanwhile, is on pace for his own personal best of 77 points, which would surpass the 75 he set with Florida in 2017-18.
But it’s Lafreniere who has managed to break out in a big way. The first pick in 2020, No. 13 has 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points, which is three points shy of his best ever. Playing alongside Panarin and Trocheck has certainly boosted his game as he looks to establish himself as a key piece of New York’s attack.
“He has developed in so many ways,” former NHLer Mike Rupp said. “His tenacity and work ethic are what stand out to me the most. He plays in ALL areas of the ice. Very underrated passer. It’s fun watching him think about the game with Panarin.”
Everything’s clicking between these three, and Panarin’s loving it.
“When we chip it in, go forecheck and score, that’s my favorite,” he said jokingly.
The pre-season chatter rallied around the Rangers’ seemingly never-ending quest to find the missing piece on New York’s top line. But to quote the famous Disney movie Finding Nemo, as long as Lafreniere, Panarin, and Trocheck “just keep swimming,” this New York Rangers team could accomplish some great things.
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