Russian New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin was selected as the first matchday star of the National Hockey League (NHL).
On the night of December 31, Moscow time, Panarin scored three goals against Tampa Bay Lightning in an NHL regular season game (5:1). Panarin scored his second goal in the match and recorded his 100th point in the 2023 calendar year. The 32-year-old striker achieved this success for the second time in his Rangers career. He scored 101 points in 2022.
The Russian player became the second player in the history of the New York club to score at least 100 points two or more times in a calendar year. Previously, this feat was achieved by Canadian Mark Messier (in 1992 and 1995).
The third star of the day was Russian Rangers goalkeeper Igor Shesterkin, who converted 34 of 35 shots into his own goal in the same match.
The second star of the day was Czech Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak, who scored two goals and an assist against the New Jersey Devils in the NHL regular season game (5:2).
Previously in NHL spoke With an official statement regarding the cancellation of Ovechkin’s goal.