Throughout his illustrious career with the Blackhawks, Patrick Kane always made sure to be the last player off the ice for warmups.
That tradition ended with his new team, giving way to a former Chicago teammate who has taken up Kane’s ritual before every game.
So, as Kane and Panarin were the last two on the ice for warmups before Kane’s Blueshirts debut at Madison Square Garden, 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 a 5-3 loss to Ottawa. But Kane was still able to enjoy 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.”
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