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Post Battle #74: Panarin stars in New York, Jackets get ninth win in a row

March 21, 2018, 11:46 AM ET [5 Comments]
Paul Berthelot
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Final Score: Blue Jackets 5 – Rangers 3

Game Summary

Does Artemi Panarin love playing in New York or what? Entering the game he had played seven games against the New York Rangers and had seven goals and nine points in those games. He is not at all affected by playing in the big city and added to those totals in this game. He recorded his second career hat-trick (the other also which came against the Rangers) and had his second four point game of the season. He stole the show in New York.

This win, the Jackets ninth in a row, moved them up to third in the Metro division. Philadelphia lost in a shootout and the Devils lost in regulation. The Panthers keep on winning but are six points back with three games in hand. Thursday game against Florida is an absolute must win for both teams.

The Jackets playing in their final back-to-back of the season came out strong against the Rangers. The put up a 63.64% Corsi and were clearly the much more talented team. They got on the board first and it was of course the second line staying hot getting the goal.




In this game we had Alexander Wennberg in another role, last game he was hard on the forecheck now he’s out there sniping. He’s become much more than a one-dimensional player. He's looking like the future top centre we all envisioned last season.

After this goal, Panarin took over the hockey game. He looked every bit of the super star that he is, and he had everything going and on display at Madison Square Gardens. He game really gets going in the second period. The fourth line is out there and draws a penalty. On the delayed call the Jackets get the goalie out, Panarin hops over the boards and get this sick no look pass from Ian Cole, and rifles it over Henrik Lundqvist.




This is a ridiculous shot, that beats a world class goalie. There are not many players who can do that in this league.

Panarin put his goal scoring on hold for just a second to set up Markus Nutivaara for the Jackets third tally of the game.




Nutivaara had himself a game as well. He lead all Jacket defencemen with a 62.86% Corsi at 5 on 5 and had four shots on top of that. All while playing the fewest minutes of any defender at 15:19. He should be playing much more. He is crushing right now with three points in his last three games.

Panarin’s smarts and awareness were on full display on the fourth goal.




The Rangers and Lundqvist all thought the puck was covered up and the play was dead. Panarin though was able to see the loose puck, dig out and deposit into the net. This is just a real heads up play and I’m sure the Rangers coaches were fuming after the game. Play to the whistle.

Panarin completed the hat-trick with an empty-netter.




On the night Panarin had three goals, one assist, a 70% Corsi at 5 on 5, and was on the ice for 80% of the high danger chances. He now has 68 points in 74 games this season. He may not be in the Hart conversation but he is the heart of this Blue Jackets team.

Stat of the Night




Stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick and Hockey-Reference.

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