RANGERS

NY Rangers projected lineup: Artemi Panarin finding his shot will be key vs. Maple Leafs

TORONTO - Three games into the 2021-22 season, Artemi Panarin is still searching for his shot.

The 29-year-old forward has yet to score while managing only two shots on goal and zero high-danger chances, according to Natural Stat Trick. But from New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant's perspective, his best player is right on track.

"He’s made some great plays," Gallant said following Monday's morning skate at the Scotiabank Arena. "Just because he hasn't scored doesn't mean he hasn't played well. He made some unbelievable passes last game on the power play to some guys that didn't find the back of the net. But I like Panarin and the way he’s playing. He’s working hard and competing hard."

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His playmaking ability has surfaced a handful of times, with two assists on his stat sheet so far and opportunities for a couple more. But with top-six forwards Ryan Strome (COVID-19 protocols) and Kaapo Kakko (upper-body injury) out for Monday's 7 p.m. game against the high-powered Maple Leafs, the Rangers will need their dynamic left-winger to get aggressive with his high-end shot.

In fairness, Panarin is being asked to adjust on the fly. Strome has been his primary center through his first two years in New York, while Kakko has risen as their right-winger this season.

With both out, it's an entirely new second line.

Filip Chytil moved into Strome's spot for Saturday's 3-1 win over the Canadiens in Montreal and now it appears Barclay Goodrow will get the first chance to replace Kakko.

"They’re both very skilled players," Goodrow said of Panarin and Chytil. "(Panarin) is a guy that over this first month having been around him, I've gained a lot of appreciation (for). From just watching highlights or game film, you may not see it happening. But being on the same team as him, watching him every day, he's obviously a very elite player in this league. So, I just look to play my game; maybe get in on the forecheck to help win some pucks for them and kind of let their skill take over."

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) against the Dallas Stars during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Oct.14, 2021, in New York.

Panarin's best season came in 2019-20, when he posted 95 points (32 goals and 63 assists) in 69 games to finish as a Hart Trophy finalist. That year was spent playing mostly with Strome and Jesper Fast, with the former known for his hustle, forecheck and defense.

Goodrow has a similar reputation, with the Rangers hoping he can do the dirty work and free up Panarin to do his thing in the offensive zone. The new addition relishes that role, but also noted he has to be aware that the puck could be coming his way in a variety of situations and from different angles.

"With a guy like that, with such elite vision on the ice, he might be finding you in places that maybe you wouldn't be expecting a pass if you're playing with someone else," he said. "So, I'd say just get open because he’ll find you."

With Goodrow and Chytil moving up, the Rangers' third line is looking like what began the season as their fourth.

Kevin Rooney is set to center Sammy Blais and Julien Gauthier, with the latter getting a chance after being a healthy scratch in two of the first three games.

The final line is still to be determined, according to Gallant. His options are Dryden Hunt, Greg McKegg, Ryan Reaves and rookie Morgan Barron.

"It's on everybody in the room to step up and try to give a little bit more," Rooney said. "Hopefully, our bottom six can chip in all different ways, whether that's creating momentum for us, blocking shots, killing penalties – whatever that may be to help relieve some pressure on our top guys."

Gallant also declined to reveal his goalie choice, which he's indicated will be his policy all season.

Alexandar Georgiev has strong career statistics against Toronto — 5-3-2, 3.20 GAA, .929 SV% — but Igor Shesterkin is coming off an excellent performance in Montreal in which he stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced.

"You definitely put that in the back of your mind, the previous history," Gallant said. "But also, you're looking at who's playing well now and what you’ve got going for your team. Shesty had a great game the last game, so (goalie coach Benoit Allaire) will make a decision, he'll talk to me about it and we’ll see who’s going tonight."

NY Rangers projected lineup: Game 4 at Maple Leafs

When: Monday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

Where: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto

TV/Radio: MSG Network and NHL Network/98.7 FM

Forwards

First line → Alexis Lafrenière (LW) • Mika Zibanejad (C) • Chris Kreider (RW)

Second line → Artemi Panarin (LW) • Filip Chytil (C) • Barclay Goodrow (RW)

Third line → Sammy Blais (LW) • Kevin Rooney (C) • Julien Gauthier (RW)

Fourth line → Dryden Hunt (LW) • Greg McKegg (C) • Ryan Reaves (RW)

Defense

Top pair → Ryan Lindgren (L) • Adam Fox (R)

Second pair → K'Andre Miller (L) • Jacob Trouba (R)

Third pair → Patrik Nemeth (L) • Nils Lundkvist (R)

Goalies

Starter → Igor Shesterkin

Backup → Alexandar Georgiev

Healthy scratches: Morgan Barron (F), Libor Hájek (D) and Jarred Tinordi (D)

Unavailable: Kaapo Kakko (upper body) and Ryan Strome (COVID-19 protocols)

NOTE: This lineup is subject to change

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.