Panarin: 'Would be unfair' if the Rangers don't get shot at playoffs

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New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin isn't in favor of the NHL going straight to the playoffs with only 16 teams if the season resumes.

"You hear so many things. There is no certainty. I am waiting to be told something definite. But if we play, it would be unfair if the Rangers don't have the chance to be in the playoffs. If (the NHL) goes straight to the playoffs, the Rangers deserve to be there," Panarin told the New York Post's Larry Brooks.

The Rangers sat two points out of the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot - by points percentage, they drop further - when the league paused the season March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For his part, Panarin is likely to garner some Hart Trophy consideration this season, as he's posted 95 points - tied for third-most in the league - in 69 games.

The NHL is reportedly prioritizing playing regular-season games before heading to the playoffs. The postseason could then be condensed, depending on how much time the league has to wrap up the campaign.

Multiple cities, including Grand Forks, North Dakota; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan have contacted the league about holding neutral-site playoff contests, if necessary.

Panarin has played a role in helping during the pandemic, as he donated 1,500 N95 masks to the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

"I heard on the news that the healthcare workers had an urgent need for masks and were in danger without them, so I thought that would be a great way to show support," Panarin said. "It was not a big deal for me. It is really the smallest thing I could do. I am very happy to be able to help in some way."