Artemi Panarin reflects on awful treatment under Gerard Gallant
Photo credit: The Hockey News
For New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin, the memory of last year's playoff letdown still lingers, and former coach Gerard Gallant bears the brunt of the blame.
Despite undergoing a significant change in his approach to the game, Panarin, known as the "breadman," delivered his best season yet, notching 48 goals and 118 points, putting him in contention for the Hart Trophy. However, the disappointment of the previous season persists.
NY Post writer and hockey hall of Famer Larry Brooks revealed that Panarin faced public criticism from Gallant for his lackluster performance during the Rangers' seven-game series loss to the New Jersey Devils. While Panarin's struggles were evident with zero goals and just two points in the series, being called out in front of the team during a crucial playoff game felt unnecessary.
But there was last spring in which Panarin looked lost against the Devils, and there were two springs ago through which Panarin was inconsistent and too often unreliable in the run to the 2022 conference finals, during which the Lightning smothered him.
Panarin has been resolute in refusing to discuss last year's playoffs, in which a tenuous relationship with head coach Gerard Gallant deteriorated. We've been told that the winger was aired out by the coach in front of the team in an incident that did not go over well with anyone. Panarin has also said that he does not want to talk about what's coming up next week.
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Panarin's playoff woes didn't begin last year; they traced back to two seasons ago when he appeared inconsistent and unreliable during the run to the 2022 conference finals, where the Lightning stifled him.
Despite Panarin's reluctance to discuss last year's playoffs, reports suggest a strained relationship with coach Gerard Gallant, highlighted by an incident where Panarin was publicly criticized in front of the team, souring the atmosphere.
However, Panarin's actions on the ice speak volumes. His game-tying goal and shootout winner against the Islanders showcased his ability to elevate his team's performance. Since joining the Rangers in 2019, he ranks fourth in the league in points, demonstrating his impact on the team's success.
While Gallant has proven to bring out the best in his players, his handling of adversity, including the incident with Panarin and clashes with management, has raised concerns about his coaching style. These issues may explain why, despite his coaching prowess, Gallant remains without a job amid multiple midseason head coaching changes.
Previously on PuckReporter
| POLL |
15 AVRIL | 197 ANSWERS Artemi Panarin reflects on awful treatment under Gerard Gallant Do you think Gerard Gallant is the reason for Artemi Panarin's struggles in last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs? |
| Yes | 82 | 41.6 % |
| No | 115 | 58.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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