New York Rangers fans showed Artemi Panarin some love in his return to Madison Square Garden.
Panarin was back on the MSG ice Monday as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, and fans gave him a loud ovation during a tribute video show in the first period.
The Rangers traded Panarin to the Kings in early February after the team determined they would not be re-signing him in free agency. As part of the trade, Panarin and the Kings agreed to a two-year contract extension.
Panarin played seven seasons for the Rangers and was one of the most dominant scorers in the NHL over that time. His 607 points in Rangers blue are the ninth most in franchise history, and the Rangers made the playoffs four times.
"I'll try not to cry," Panarin said pre-game. "We are battling for the playoffs. I don't have time for that emotion, but, yeah, I'm just excited to play in MSG again."
The Kings won the game 4-1 and Panarin had an assist. Alex Laferriere had a goal and two assists to lead the way for the Kings, while Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson and Trevor Moore also scored for Los Angeles. Darcy Kuemper stopped 21 shots for the win.
Vincent Trocheck, on the power play, scored the only Rangers goal. The loss snapped a four-game win streak for the Rangers.
With files from The Associated Press.
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