BY MIKE RIFKIN
In the Rangers 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins, Artemi Panarin recorded a Hat Trick giving him a career high 41 goals and 97 points. Both put Panarin in the top 10 in the NHL. After the 2019-20 season Panarin was named as a Hart Trophy finalist, but ultimately finished third behind Leon Draisaitl and Nathan Mackinnon. But, what about this year for the breadman? Panarin is 31 points ahead of Vincent Trocheck for the team lead, and eight goals ahead of Chris Kreider.
Now there are certainly other candidates for the Hart. Nathan Mackinnon, Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews all are in the conversation for the Hart, but only three nominees are chosen. Mackinnon and Kucherov have won a Stanley Cup something Panarin wants. Panarin has 20 points in 30 career playoff games for the Rangers. Last year in a first round exit against the Devils he was limited to two assists, and Panarin took that personally and has played on a mission this season.
Can the Rangers win a cup? Yes, especially if the this Artemi Panarin shows up in the playoffs, but even with about 15 games left in the season Artemi Panarin should be a Hart Trophy finalist.
The Sports Insanity Network 