It was a disappointing season for the New York Rangers, and nobody is harsher on themself than Artemi Panarin.
The Russian superstar has scored more than 90 points in three of the four last seasons since joining the Rangers, but as the team pushed for a playoff run, he went missing.
The Rangers faced the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the playoffs, and Panarin started off great with two assists in Game 1. But then followed what would be his longest point drought of the season. Panarin had 15 shots on goal during the series, but he didn’t manage to record any more points after Game 1.
The New York Rangers eventually lost Game 7 in the series, but to be fair, Panarin wasn’t the only star player that underperformed on the team; Mika Zibanejad, Patrick Kane, and Vincent Trocheck only scored a goal each.
During this off-season, Panarin has been open about how disappointed he was with his performance in the postseason. He’s the Rangers’ best offensive weapon, and he’s now looking to get revenge for last season’s disappointing ending. And he’s doing it with a brand-new look.
Since his arrival to the NHL, we’ve gotten used to seeing his long hair swirling under the helmet, but now, it’s all changed.
In a new picture, Panarin is rocking the all-shaved head—and fans’ reactions to it were absolutely hilarious.
”Looks like an author’s picture on the back of a self-help book,” one fan said.
”’How to forgive your Barber’ by Artemi Panarin,” another responded.
”+5 speed and agility. -5 charisma,” a third said.
But many also praised Panarin for pulling it off.
”Honestly the bald look is working for him,” one said.
”He pulls it off tbh,” another said.
”Huge improvement,” a third added.
READ MORE: New Toronto Maple Leaf Ryan Reaves sends terrifying threat to Radko Gudas following move to Toronto
