Artemi Panarin’s Rangers career is just 98 games old, but he has already joined legendary company.
With two assists in Friday’s 4-1 win over the Islanders, Panarin moved to 93 assists within his first 100 games with the Rangers, breaking the franchise record of 92 previously held by Mark Messier. Panarin’s 137 points were tied with Messier for the most by a player within his first 100 games, as well.
Since returning to the Rangers’ lineup 15 games ago following his two-week hiatus to deal with the aftermath of a political hit piece out of Russia, Panarin has 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) and a plus-12 rating. He has been on the ice for more than half of the Rangers goals over that span (32 of 63).
Not only is Panarin climbing to the top of the Rangers’ franchise records, but also he has dominated the NHL this season. His 1.45 points per game average was good for third in the league through Friday, and his 1.03 assists per game average ranked second. Panarin also led the league with a 3.31 points per 60 average and a 2.59 assists per 60 average at five-on-five (minimum 20 games played).
As of Friday, Panarin was the only NHL player to have recorded 42 or more points and been assessed two or fewer penalty minutes this season. Panarin also posted a multi-point game in five of the last six contests, registering four goals and nine assists over that span.
Vitali Kravtsov has brought his high-end skill to the fourth line since he was bumped from the third in his NHL debut at the beginning of the month.
The 21-year-old put two shots on goal in 12:12 of ice time in Friday’s win. He nearly recorded his first assist with a strong move to the net before sending a backhand pass to Kevin Rooney on a rush that Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov stopped in the third period.
“A lot of energy and it was good again [Friday] night,” coach David Quinn said of Kravtsov. “I mean that line, I thought [Brett] Howden had a good night, Rooney had a good night. And Kravy, as the game went on, he had some great plays in that third period. I thought he was going to get his first goal, but boy, I certainly like his work ethic and skill. He’s made an impact.”
Friday marked the fourth of the Rangers’ seven scheduled back-to-back sets this season. The Blueshirts are now 2-2-0 in the second games of those back-to-backs.
Since the start of last season, the Rangers have earned at least one point on the back end in 10 of their 16 back-to-back matchups, with a 9-6-1 record over that span.
Following his rocket shot from the point that gave the Rangers a 3-1 lead Friday, K’Andre Miller led all NHL rookie defensemen in goals with four.
