Artemi Panarin got his second multi-goal game of his career done in dramatic fashion: with an overtime winner. In fact, he’s the first rookie this season to do exactly that: a goal in regulation, and a goal in overtime.
He’s the first Chicago Blackhawks rookie to ever do that in the regular season, actually. So Panarin continues to write his name in Chicago’s history books – and really, considering the season he’s continuing to have, he should probably get some sort of award for his efforts.
You know, like the Calder Trophy? Panarin has been a front runner for the award throughout the season, and absolutely nothing about his recent play indicates there should be any reason for that to change. He still leads all rookies in scoring with 36 points in 41 games, eight points ahead of the next closest rookie, Max Domi, who has 28 in 39.
Of all the top rookie scorers, Panarin is the only one who has an overtime goal. In fact, just three rookies have scored in overtime: Panarin, the Bruins‘ Frank Vatrano, and the Flyers‘ Shayne Gostisbehere, who leads the way with three.
But when you put it all together, Panarin is, without a doubt, the best rookie in the NHL this season – and it’s not even close.