The rested Rangers thrash the hot Detroit Red Wings 5-3 on Garden ice as Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere impress.
New York City, New York: Artemi Panarin recorded a goal and an assist, and Alexis Lafreniere recorded an assist in the Ranger's 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.
The Rangers dominated the 2nd frame, scoring 4 goals in 5:55 of play. In the flurry of scores, Alexis Lafreniere connected with Artemi Panarin for a tally. They also combined for 6 shots on the net.
These are the same exact players that took the harshest criticism following the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They don't look the same. They look like the David rather than the marble slab.
Panarin has 20 points in 12 games. The 1 takeaway listed from tonight should be 5, his forecheck and breakout disruption was exceptional.
Peter Laviolette was impressed by his performance, "I think that's when he's at his absolute best. He grabbed the puck, he attacked downhill, he attacked the game... He has a skillset that's elite, with that speed with that downhill approach towards their net, that's dangerous."
Artemi Panarin spoke about what's impressed him about his linemate Alexis Lafreniere this season, "I feel like he's [more] hungrier than I feel he usually is, but probably like he's hungry every year just he feels the game right now... Nice to see him like that."
He continued to talk in good spirits, "[Lafreniere] honestly does most of the forechecking for us. Which is nice to see when the young guy works for the old guys."
He was on a roll, fooling about his hair growing in as well, "Winter is coming. Be ready for this."
Even without center Filip Chytil, the connection between the ping pong ball kid and the "Bread Man" is humming.
Panarin chases Rod Gilbert's club record 14-game point streak heading into his 13th game of the season. The Rangers (9-2-1) play at home again this Thursday, November 9th against the Minnesota Wild.
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