Artemi Panarin, and other Rangers stars, have been relatively quiet through three games of the Eastern Conference Final despite the Blueshirts holding a 2-1 series lead.
Some fans have criticized Panarin for once again coming up small in the playoffs (though he had a sparkling first round performance against the Capitals), but Boomer says it needs to be pointed out that Panarin is commanding so much attention from the Panthers that it’s opening up the ice for others to get on the board.
“ESPN would do themselves a favor if they would educate people as to why Panarin is having a hell of a time,” Boomer said. “He has very little room. Every time he gets the puck, there’s somebody on him.
“You could see that he’s frustrated. But because he’s getting all of that attention, a guy in Alexis Lafreniere is suddenly finding some open ice. He is benefitting from all the attention that Panarin is getting.”
Mika Zibanejad is another who is having a relatively quiet series in terms of the stat sheet, but Boomer says the likes of Barclay Goodrow, Lafreniere, and others wouldn’t be getting the chances they have if Florida wasn’t so keyed in on New York’s stars.
“Barkov is outplaying Mika, but when Mika does get the puck, watch how many guys are around him,” Boomer said. “He really has nowhere to go with the puck. He’s getting his stick whacked, he’s getting his legs slashed. They are all over him. Those guys gotta figure out how to find some open ice, but it’s easier said than done.”