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Panarin Struggles Cost Rangers in Game 4 Loss. From Hero to Hope-Dasher: Panarin’s Off Night Costs Rangers in Game 4
Panarin Struggles Cost Rangers in Game 4 Loss . Artemi Panarin, the Rangers’ offensive hero just two nights ago, had a night to forget in Carolina. His miscues in the early going contributed to the Hurricanes clawing back from a series deficit and ultimately stealing a crucial Game 4 victory.
Panarin’s Previous Heroics
Just 48 hours earlier, inside a desperate PNC Arena, Panarin delivered a dagger to the hearts of the Hurricanes. His overtime goal secured a 3-0 series lead for the Rangers. Following a late Carolina equalizer, Panarin rallied his teammates in the locker room, urging them to stay “resilient” in overtime.
A Different Story Unfolds
Saturday night’s tale was a stark contrast. The Rangers, despite battling back from two-goal deficits to tie the game at 3-3 in the third period, ultimately fell 4-3. Panarin, in particular, struggled throughout the contest.
Early Errors Set the Tone
Carolina struck first with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal just over a minute into the game. Shortly after, Panarin was slightly late getting to a puck near the blue line, a misplay that contributed to a Stefan Noesen goal and a 2-0 Hurricanes lead.
Defensive Lapses Haunt Rangers
Following a Rangers goal that cut the lead to 2-1, Panarin appeared to struggle again. He got onto the ice for his shift a touch late and then took a bad defensive angle on Carolina’s Jake Guentzel. This lapse allowed Guentzel to set up Sebastian Aho for a goal that put the Hurricanes up 3-1. This marked the first time in the playoffs that the Rangers trailed by more than one goal.
Coach Laviolette Deflects Blame
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles but downplayed Panarin’s role in the loss. He pointed out Carolina’s overall strength and suggested Panarin “just managed to get caught on the wrong side” of Guentzel on the Aho goal. Laviolette emphasized that the team as a whole could have been “tighter” defensively.
Missed Opportunities Haunt Rangers
The Rangers’ desired strategy for Game 4 was to apply relentless pressure from the start. However, their shaky start, particularly Panarin’s miscues, allowed Carolina to build confidence early.
Necas on Panarin: A Double-Edged Sword
Carolina center Martin Necas spoke about the challenges of facing Panarin before the game. Necas highlighted the importance of keeping track of Panarin, emphasizing that “if you don’t, that’s what happens.”
Panarin’s Night of Silence
The irony wasn’t lost on anyone that Panarin, who wasn’t available for post-game comments, was the one “noticed” on this night, but for all the wrong reasons. The Hurricanes successfully neutralized Panarin’s offensive threat, a key factor in their come-from-behind victory.
The Rangers now face a must-win situation in Game 5 at home if they want to avoid heading back to Carolina on the brink of elimination.
