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NHL: Seattle Kraken at New York Rangers - Source: Imagn

$81,500,000 NY Rangers star addresses team's mentality after eighth loss in ten games

The New York Rangers lost 2-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, marking their eighth defeat in 10 games. This tough stretch prompted the Rangers to make changes to the lineup and signed goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a massive $92 million contract. However, their fate has not changed and they are now 14-12-1 for the season.

Artemi Panarin, who signed a seven-year $81,500,000 contract in 2019, spoke about how the group is handling the challenging stretch. In a discussion with New York Post's Mollie Walker, he emphasized the need for unity.

"It's not easy, but we try to stay together," Panarin said on Tuesday. "All of us are in the same situation, we're in the same boat. We got to [climb out] of that hole together, too. In that situation, doesn't have any other option. Just hard work, be ready mentally, handle that, and then use it like an opportunity for being better."

Panarin had a rare quiet night on the scoresheet against the Blackhawks despite his best efforts. He played a season-high 24:57 and fired seven shots on goal but didn’t record any points. This ended his four-game point streak, where he had three goals and five assists. In Sunday’s 7-5 loss to the Seattle Kraken, Panarin contributed two assists in the third period.

Despite the Rangers' struggles, Panarin remains their most reliable scorer. He leads the team with 15 goals and 34 points in 27 games. The next highest scorer, Will Cuylle, has 22 points.

The Rangers are dealing with defensive lapses and missed scoring chances, which were evident against Chicago. The team averages 3.19 goals per game and allows 3.00, tied for 14th offensively. Their power play operates at 22.5%, while their penalty kill is second in the league at 85.9%. The team must find a way to support Panarin’s contributions and improve its defensive play.

NY Rangers failed to get past Arvid Soderblom in net

Tyler Bertuzzi scored first at 8:10 of the opening period, putting a cross-ice pass from Taylor Hall past Igor Shesterkin.

The New York Rangers tied the game late in the first period as Will Cuylle scored a shorthanded goal by knocking in a rebound from Sam Carrick’s shot. Taylor Hall scored the game-winner at 6:16 of the second period. He finished a 2-on-1 rush with Connor Bedard for his sixth goal of the season.

Arvid Soderblom stopped 29 shots to secure the win, snapping Chicago’s five-game losing streak.

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