That gust of wind coming from the MSG Training Center on Thursday was simply the massive sigh of relief from the New York Rangers. That’s because superstar forward Artemi Panarin practiced, two days after sustaining a lower-body injury in a 6-4 preseason win against the New York Islanders.
Panarin played 14 shifts for 11:58 against the Islanders. He left the game in the third period and didn’t return. The 32-year-old who had 120 points last season did not practice Wednesday.
When he spoke with the media Wednesday, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette was hopeful that Panarin would be able to play at least one more preseason game before the start of the regular season on Oct. 9. While he did not skate with the game group for the tilt Thursday night against the Boston Bruins, his return to practice indicates that he will likely be able to participate in at least one more exhibition game.
Panarin confirmed as much with reporters after practice.
Panarin gears up for the 2024-25 season after establishing NHL career highs with 49 goals and 120 points last season. That point total was fourth most in the League last season and second highest in Rangers history, behind Jaromir Jagr’s 123-point campaign in 2005-06.