Rangers Searching For Offensive Answers Amid Panarin Uncertainty
The New York Rangers have found themselves in an uncharacteristic offensive slump of late, failing to score in the opening two periods of their last three games. This comes as questions swirl around the long-term future of star winger Artemi Panarin.
Panarin's Contract Situation
Panarin, who is in the midst of an eight-year, $81.5 million contract signed in 2019, has had his status with the Rangers called into question. According to reports, the 31-year-old may be eyeing one last major payday as a free agent, potentially testing the open market when his current deal expires after the 2024-25 season.
While the Rangers would undoubtedly love to retain Panarin's elite offensive talents, his future in New York remains uncertain. The skilled winger is likely seeking a mid-length contract in the range of four years, which could price him out of the Rangers' long-term plans.
Offensive Struggles
Panarin's potential departure is just one of the concerns facing the Rangers at the moment. The team has struggled to generate consistent offense in recent games, going scoreless through the opening two periods in three straight contests.
In their most recent outing, a 2-1 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Rangers failed to break through until late in the third period. Defenseman Braden Schneider's shot was tipped home by forward J.T. Miller to tie the game and force extra time, but the Rangers were ultimately unable to secure the victory.
The offensive woes have been a stark contrast to the Rangers' earlier-season form, when they were among the league's highest-scoring teams. Head coach Gerard Gallant will need to find a way to reignite his squad's firepower if they hope to maintain their position in the crowded Metropolitan Division playoff race.
Key Contributors Searching for Form
Several of the Rangers' top offensive contributors have been mired in slumps of their own. Panarin has just one goal in his last seven games, while center Mika Zibanejad has gone four contests without finding the back of the net.
Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has kept the Rangers in games during this stretch, but the team will need more production from its skaters to ease the burden on their All-Star netminder. Forwards like Juuso Parssinen and Will Borgen have had opportunities to step up, but the Rangers' depth scoring has been lacking.
TL;DR
- The New York Rangers are facing questions about Artemi Panarin's long-term future with the team as he approaches free agency.
- The Rangers have struggled to generate consistent offense in recent games, going scoreless through the first two periods in three straight contests.
- Key contributors like Panarin and Mika Zibanejad have been mired in slumps, putting added pressure on goaltender Igor Shesterkin to keep the team in games.
- Head coach Gerard Gallant will need to find a way to reignite the Rangers' firepower if they hope to maintain their position in the crowded Metropolitan Division playoff race.