Worries about the Rangers star are mounting following his second preseason injury withdrawal.
Thus far in the preseason, the New York Rangers have had to cope with a number of expensive injuries. Superstar winger Artemi Panarin was sidelined for the second time in preseason due to an injury during the team’s 5–4 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.
Artemi Panarin departs the Rangers’ lineup with a lower-body ailment again
Panarin departed the lineup due to a lower-body injury last week during the Blueshirts’ 6–4 triumph against the New York Islanders. Panarin reassured reporters that he had left the Islanders game out of caution, despite the worries of the supporters. Given that the regular season is quickly approaching and that Panarin has to maintain his health for the games that matter most, this would be a smart option.
But, worries among Rangers supporters are starting to surface when he appeared to have the same issue and left the team for the second time. Tuesday night, Panarin played just four shifts (2:25 TOI) before being declared out.
Head coach Peter Laviolette gave only a few updates on Panarin’s condition after the game:
According to Mollie Walker of The New York Post, Laviolette stated, “Players leave the game, there’s always concern.” “He’s under evaluation.”
Maybe the Rangers are simply being cautious. Maybe they want to give the young player more ice time and are comfortable taking it cautious with Panarin’s recuperation since they like what they see in top prospect Brennan Othmann. Or maybe Panarin’s skating is being severely hampered by this ailment, which is more serious than first thought.
It’s hoped that Panarin won’t suffer any serious injuries and will be ready for opening night. After scoring 120 points in a season, he came in fifth in the Hart Trophy voting. Panarin is a vital member of the Rangers team, and they will require his talents in the regular season. The team should take whatever action is necessary to protect his health and assist him in returning to full strength.
