Stan Fischler On Rangers Cup Chances Artemi Panarin -- alias The Breadman -- has spent the season turning pumpernickels into pucks. And, if you haven't noticed, the rubber disks have turned into a career year, liberally sprinkled with gorgeous goals and admirable assists. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NzU5NDE5NjkzMTQ3Njc3/usatsi_23016079.jpg] Heading into the Rangers final game -- tonight against Ottawa -- the native of Korkino, Russia, ranked fifth in the NHL with 48 red lights and fourth in points (118) --thanks to 70 helpers. And, whoa, brother, has he ever been a help to the Rangers franchise record for most wins (54) in a season. On Saturday, Artemi scored the tying goal against the Islanders late in the third period. It helped set the team record for most comebacks in a single season with 28. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSr09Giu9QQ[/embed] This all-season prolific production is yet another reason why this edition of the Blueshirts set signifcant franchise records such arresting arithmetic has set hockey critics to wondering what stimulus has lifted the rapid Russian up to the elite status where he's now favorably compared to the McDavids, Matthews and Crosbys of the NHL. One answer has to be the coaching. Peter Laviolette -- by means of personality and pure puck savvy -- has pushed all of the Breadman's right regular season buttons. (Mind you, the emphasis is on "regular season.") What remains to be seen is just what Panarin can do for his team in the postseason. And don't kid yourself, every hockey reporter worth his weight in computers is wondering whether the punko Panarin performance of last spring will be transformed into a bonanza run to the Stanley Cup. For the moment, The Breadman's answer is like the hole in a bagel -- nothing. Artie, The Smarty, doesn't want to look ahead or review his putrid 2023 playoff against the Devils. In this case, for now, The Breadman is being The Quiet Man! Or, as The Maven sees it, his playoff body of work will have the answer!
