The New York Rangers looked like kids in a candy store in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals, creating a plethora of scoring opportunities.
Seven of those shots came off Artemi Panarin’s stick, and his team outscored Washington 31-21.
The 120-point scorer scored the winning goal 33 seconds into the second period in a 4-1 win after Matt Rempe’s go-ahead goal.
Oh, and that was after a scoreless power play in a game where the referee called a penalty for blinking. The Rangers dictated a 5-on-5 tempo throughout regulation, taking three dangerous shots at even strength.
We knew this series would be a mismatch, but the Capitals were blatantly overwhelmed by the Rangers’ speed and physicality.
I expect a similar result in Game 2, but it should only benefit Panarin’s most polarizing offensive element on the ice.
Cutting his hair wasn’t the only change Panarin has made since last year’s postseason, when he ostensibly disappeared in a first-round loss to the Devils.
He responded by introducing a shoot-first mentality to the game, which benefited the Rangers.
Panarin has taken 3.5 shots in eight of his last nine games and is averaging 3.7 points per game over the regular season, ranking among the top 10 in the league.
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The dynamic zone entries of Panarin’s line with Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere benefited the Rangers all season.
Panarin should be able to continue to show off during rushing moments and set plays against a Capitals team that has been giving him trouble.
THE PLAY: Artemi Panarin over 3.5 shots (-135, BetMGM).
