In his gut, he knew it was coming.
Artemi Panarin knew his first trip to Nationwide Arena after signing with the New York Rangers this summer would be accompanied by a soundtrack of booing.
“Real angry in the game, (the) fans, but it’s OK,” he said afterward, letting out a short laugh while conducting an interview mostly in English. “I’m happy to be ... to be in New York.”
That didn’t make it sting any less to actually hear it virtually every time he touched the puck in the Rangers’ 3-2 victory Thursday night over the Blue Jackets, a game that Panarin’s goal in the second decided.
“I feel that in the last year,” Panarin said. “I played for that team and the fans were doing that (booing), so it’s not a surprise (when) I play against (their) team.”
“It’s a great two years,” Panarin said. “It was a great opportunity and I’m better player after that, after these two years, so everything (is) better. It (taught) me a lot, that team and those seasons.”
“I want to say ‘hi’ to the (people cheering) and for kids who like me and the posters,” Panarin said, smiling from beneath a Rangers ball cap. “I appreciate that. I miss (those) guys.”
Pausing for a second, he laughed and then added: “Only those guys.”