New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin missed the second part of training camp Friday due to a lower-body injury. Before everyone panics, two facts. First, it’s September 19, plenty of time until the season starts. Second, see the first point. Coach Mike Sullivan said Panarin is day-to-day, and his sitting out was more precautionary than a concern.
Will Cuylle looks likely to open the season in the top six. If Mike Zibanejad stays at wing, this means that Brennan Othmann, if he makes the team, would skate on the third line. Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere should flank Vincent Trocheck on the second line.
The New York power play plummeted last season to 28th in the league with a 17.6 percent conversion rate due to a variety of reasons, including a reluctance (stubbornness) to change up the personnel or the system. David Quinn ran a more successful power play when he coached the Rangers and also last year in Pittsburgh, who finished sixth in the league with a 25.8 percent success rate. In addition, when he was in New York as head coach, Adam Fox won the Norris Trophy.
David Starman is a bold and really good hire. If you don’t know how good he is, go back and listen to highlights from the World Junior tournament. Starman, who breaks down the game as good as anyone out there, replaces Dave Maloney who moved from radio to TV.
Home › Forums › Rangers Roundup: Panarin Day-To-Day