DETROIT — If you thought the five points Artemi Panarin put up through the first four games of last season foreshadowed his 120-point campaign, the possibilities for the 2024-25 season could be endless after the star Russian wing upped his total to 11 over the same span.
Climbing to new heights with each game, the Breadman secured a hat trick and a four-point performance in the Rangers’ 5-2 triumph over the Red Wings on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena.
It was a standout performance for Panarin, who already has four exceptional showings.
“I was feeling good,” Panarin told The Post after the win. “The first two shots go in for me and then after, of course, you’re feeling great. We have so many power plays, too, which gives you the puck a lot.”
Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere have spearheaded the Rangers’ offensive surge to kick off the season, amassing 13 five-on-five goals and 20 overall.
The line is always on the attack, and Thursday night was no different.
Panarin, who became the first player in franchise history to record multiple points in each of the first four games of a season, has been the driver.
Facing Detroit for the second time in four days, the Rangers ignited early excitement by enduring 3:18 of shorthanded play in the first period, which featured a 42-second, 5-on-3 Red Wings power play.
The Rangers’ penalty kill has only given up two power-play goals so far, having fended off 13 of the 15 man-advantage stretches they’ve faced.