It’s only exhibition games. Exhibition games for the World Cup of Hockey, at that. It’s everyone still getting back into the flow of playing and competing, even if it’s a little different this year.
But it’s still high-level hockey, with many of the world’s best. And now, that includes Artemi Panarin.
Returning to action in an exhibition game against the Czech Republic, the 24-year-old Russian – who was top 10 in NHL scoring in his rookie season last year – had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 win.
Check out that shot, and get excited for when he’s donning a Blackhawks jersey once again:
Artemi Panarin ties the game 1-1 for Russia #CZEvsRUS pic.twitter.com/aBacpvq4aX
— Marina Molnar (@mkmolnar) September 8, 2016
Although we certainly shouldn’t count out Panarin’s beautiful cross-ice assist, which ended up leading to the game winner:
Great dish from Panarin to Dadonov to make it 4-2 Russia pic.twitter.com/mcfdO1EmeR
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) September 8, 2016
Hockey is back, everyone! And Panarin came back with it.