Artemi Panarin thinks the Rangers should be included if the NHL skips right to playoffs

When the NHL season came to a screeching halt, the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin had already posted 32 goals and 63 assists, good for 95 points in just 69 games played. At the time of the stoppage, he sat two points behind McDavid and 15 behind Draisaitl in the league point race in his first season as a Ranger.

The Rangers currently sit in seventh place in a very tight Metropolitan Division, where the fourth through seventh place teams all sit within a couple points of one another. Panarin recently gave an update on how his social distancing is going to the New York Post, and he touched on what he thinks should happen if the NHL decides to skip ahead right to playoffs.

Panarin made it clear that everyone’s health is the priority right now, though.

“I am just praying that all the people are healthy, everyone should stay safe and stay home, for sure. Health is the most important thing for everyone, when this has passed, then it will be time for hockey.”

Panarin also personally donated supplies to frontline healthcare workers.

He went on to describe how he’s been staying in shape and spending his days.

“I ordered a hockey net and plastic ice so I can add more to my workouts and be more prepared if we are able to start again. So far, I have been working out in the mornings, then it’s time for breakfast, then we watch movies, and then, whatever we do the rest of the day. I think probably like everyone else.”

Panarin is still thinking about hockey, and expressed that he thinks his Rangers should be included if the NHL skips right to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“The first thing is that I want to play and hope we can find a safe way to do that. There are so many different rumors and possibilities about what could happen, like playing in a different city without fans and staying in that one place, that I don’t know what to think. You hear so many things. There is no certainty. I am waiting to be told something definite. But if we play, it would be unfair if the Rangers don’t have the chance to be in the playoffs. If [the NHL] goes straight to the playoffs, the Rangers deserve to be there. We will see. The most important thing is for people to be safe and healthy. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and being with our fans. I hope it is soon.”

Us too, Artemi!