(WFAN) Throughout his illustrious career with the Blackhawks, star Patrick Kane always made sure to be the last player off the ice for warmups.
That tradition ended with his new team in New York, as Kane gave way to winger Artemi Panarin, a former Chicago teammate who has taken up his ritual before every game.
So, as Kane and Panarin were the last two on the ice for warmups before Kane’s Rangers debut at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Kane left the ice while Panarin remained.
“It's his team,” Kane said. “So I'll let him have that honor.”
Kane was happy to oblige, and the two were happy to be paired together on the same line once again. The duo didn’t generate any goals in their first game back together, as Kane finished his anticipated debut with no points, four shots on goal and a -2 in New York's 5-3 loss to Ottawa. But Kane still enjoyed the experience and hopes it leads to reignited chemistry with Panarin -- and more wins for the Rangers.
“The crowd and coming out for warmups, pregame introductions, just first game as a Ranger, it was a pretty cool experience,” Kane said. “Obviously would've liked to have played a little bit better and come out with the win, but hopefully it will come.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1.
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