Artemi Panarin, the New York Rangers’ top scorer after an upper-body injury is’ready for Round 1′

NEW YORK — Leading scorer Artemi PanarinOn Sunday, he was back at work and will return to the New York Rangerslineup on Tuesday when they open their first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Panarin was forced to leave the Rangers' 4-3 loss at the hands of the Carolina HurricanesMadison Square Garden, Tuesday, November 7, 2012: An upper-body injury occurred.

Linemate Andrew Copp(lower-body), also left during the second period of the loss. They did not return to the Rangers and settled for No. As a result, the Loss ranked the No. 2 seed in Metropolitan Division.

Gerard Gallant, Rangers coach said that he did not believe that either injury was serious and that both of his players could have come back. The club was cautious considering the circumstances and the possibility of the playoffs. Gallant continued with his strategy and sat both players during the final two games of the regular season.

Both were on the ice Sunday and should be back in line Tuesday against the Penguins.

“I feel the most fulfilled I have felt all year. I'm ready for anything. After practice, Panarin said that emotions are quite high. “I'm excited and then, of course, if everything in your head is right, your body will feel better.”

Panarin was a key player on the No. With 96 points, Panarin was the team’s leading scorer for the regular season. He spent an average of 19:06 minutes on the ice. Copp, who was acquired from the Trade Deadline Winnipeg JetsPanarin has been a great partner for him. He had eight goals, 18 points and 16 games in regular season with New York.

Copp stated that it was not a serious injury and will be playing in the postseason, a year after Copp's season with the Jets.

Gallant was hired by the Rangers last offseason, after Quinn was fired. They are now back in the playoffs, having lost in the bubble's play in round last year to the Hurricanes. New York was a contender for the No. The No. 1 seed in East for most of the season, New York challenged the Hurricanes to the title. The Rangers won the home-ice advantage against Penguins.

Gallant stated that he believes that the 16 teams that reached the playoffs are likely to win the Stanley Cup. “I think that we are as good or better than anybody in the playoffs. I believe anybody in playoffs could beat us. It's not who plays well at the right moment and does the right things.

Gallant was the leader Vegas Golden Knights2018 Stanley Cup Finals. The Rangers made their last appearance in the league's championship games in 2014.

In Game 1, Pittsburgh's backup goaltender will be up against the Rangers. All-Star netminder Tristan JarryAlthough he has not yet been ruled out, Sullivan said that Sullivan will not be starting the series.

Jarry was described by Sullivan as being “day-to-day” on Sunday. However, Sullivan indicated that the veteran wouldn't be available in New York. Jarry has not played since being diagnosed following a victory over The. New York IslandersApril 14,

Casey DeSmithDeSmith will receive the opening nod. DeSmith only made an appearance against the Rangers this year, playing 4:19 in New York on March 25, before being forced to leave after a collision. DeSmith is now 3-2-1 and has a 3.45 goals against average, as well as a pedestrian.886 save rate in seven career games against New York.

This report was contributed by The Associated Press.

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