Artemi Panarin’s Top 5 Moments with the Rangers: A Legacy of Magic on Broadway
Artemi Panarin’s time with the New York Rangers isn’t officially over yet, but the writing’s on the wall. The team has made it clear-they’re holding him out of the lineup while working out a trade, whether that happens in the coming days or closer to the March 6 deadline. And while the ending may feel bittersweet, there’s no denying the impact he’s had on the franchise over the past seven seasons.
From the moment he chose to sign with the Rangers to his unforgettable playoff heroics, Panarin gave fans a highlight reel worthy of Madison Square Garden. Let’s take a look back at his five greatest moments in a Blueshirt.
5. Betting on Broadway: Choosing the Rangers in a Rebuild
When Panarin hit free agency in the summer of 2019, he was the crown jewel of the market-a proven offensive weapon entering his prime. The Rangers, at the time, were in the thick of a rebuild. They’d traded away veterans, leaned into youth, and had just drafted Kaapo Kakko with the No. 2 overall pick.
Despite that uncertainty, Panarin wanted in.
He reportedly had offers elsewhere-including one from the Islanders-but chose the Rangers, even taking less money to do it. That decision sent a clear message: he believed in what the team was building.
And in many ways, his arrival accelerated the rebuild. He wasn’t just a free-agent signing-he became the face of a new era.
4. The 2023-24 Season: A Career Year When It Mattered Most
Coming into the 2023-24 season, Panarin had something to prove. The previous postseason had ended with a thud-just one point in a seven-game loss to the Devils-and fans were starting to wonder if he was the right guy to lead the charge.
He responded with a season for the ages.
Panarin lit up the league with 49 goals and 120 points, the best numbers of his career. It wasn’t just about the stats, though-it was about the timing.
He led the Rangers to the best regular season in franchise history, capped off with the Presidents’ Trophy. And while the Cup run fell short in the Eastern Conference Final, Panarin’s performance reminded everyone why he was worth every penny.
He didn’t just silence the critics-he turned in one of the most dominant offensive seasons the Garden has ever seen.
3. The Overtime Dagger in Carolina - 2024 Second Round, Game 3
The 2024 playoffs started like a dream for the Rangers. They swept the Capitals in the first round and jumped out to a 2-0 lead against the Hurricanes in the second.
But Game 3 in Carolina felt like a trap. The Hurricanes were desperate, and they clawed their way back to tie the game late in the third.
Then Panarin did what stars do.
In overtime, he tipped home the game-winner, giving the Rangers a 3-0 series lead and pushing their playoff record to a perfect 7-0. It was the kind of moment that felt like destiny-the kind of goal that makes you believe a Cup run is within reach. Panarin wasn’t just along for the ride; he was steering the ship.
2. Stadium Series Heroics - Overtime Winner vs. Islanders
Outdoor games are always a spectacle, but the 2024 NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium delivered something truly special-and Panarin was front and center.
The Rangers fell behind 4-1 early in the second period against the Islanders, but clawed their way back. Down 5-3 late in regulation, they pulled the goalie and scored twice to force overtime. Then, just seconds into the extra frame, Panarin struck again.
He picked off a pass right off the faceoff and buried the winner, even as the net came off its moorings. After a quick review, the goal stood-and the comeback was complete. It was one of the most thrilling finishes in outdoor game history, and Panarin was the architect.
1. The Defining Moment - Game 7 OT Winner vs. Penguins in 2022
Every great Rangers player has a signature moment. For Panarin, it came in Game 7 of the 2022 first-round series against Pittsburgh.
The Rangers had clawed back from a 3-1 series deficit to force a decisive game at Madison Square Garden. In overtime, with the season hanging in the balance, they went on the power play. Adam Fox slid the puck to Panarin, who rifled a shot through traffic and into the net.
Bedlam.
The Garden erupted. It was the Rangers’ first playoff series win since the rebuild began, and Panarin was the hero.
That goal didn’t just win a game-it marked the arrival of a team ready to contend again. And it gave fans a moment they’ll talk about for decades.
A Legacy Written in Broadway Lights
No, Panarin didn’t bring a Stanley Cup to New York. But that doesn’t diminish what he meant to this team and this city. He was the best free agent signing in franchise history, a consistent offensive force, and the heartbeat of the Rangers’ resurgence.
For seven seasons, he gave fans magic. Clutch goals, elite playmaking, and a flair for the dramatic-Panarin brought it all. And while his time in New York may be nearing its end, his legacy is secure.
He was a showman, a star, and a Ranger through and through.