Artemy Panarin, the Russian forward for the New York Rangers, dominated the opening NHL game day as reported by league press services. On February 19, Moscow time, the Rangers faced the New York Islanders on the road. Panarin delivered a decisive overtime goal, sealing a 6-5 victory for his team. The strike marked his 32nd goal of the regular season, and he contributed two assists in the same game. Across the 2023/24 season, Panarin appeared in 55 Rangers games, tallying 74 points in those appearances. This performance underscored his central role in the club’s offense and highlighted his ability to influence close contests late when the stakes are highest. The night also offered another standout performance from the league, as Panarin showed why he remains one of the game’s elite producers, capable of turning the tide in a tense road showdown with the Islanders. (Source: league press service)
Another highlight of the day came from Swedish forward Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings. He produced a multi-point night, scoring twice in a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, demonstrating his scoring touch and clutch goal-scoring ability that keeps him among the league’s top playmakers during the season. The performance reinforced Kempe’s value to a Kings lineup that relies on timely scoring to balance offense and defense as the team competes in a demanding schedule. (Source: league press service)
In addition, Nathan MacKinnon, representing Canada with the Colorado Avalanche, earned third star honors by recording a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win against the Arizona Coyotes. MacKinnon’s two-point night contributed to a tightly contested game and illustrated his continued impact as a pivotal driver in Colorado’s offensive system. His consistent production helps the Avalanche cling to postseason positioning while refining their strategy around his playmaking and scoring ability. (Source: league press service)
Earlier in the season, Panarin matched a personal record for goals in the NHL, underscoring a peak in his scoring efficiency and reaffirming his status as a top-tier producer in the league. This milestone reflects not only raw talent but also the sustained effort and consistency that have defined his career as one of the sport’s premier offensive talents. (Source: league press service)