LAS VEGAS – Thursday was the fifth day since Rangers star forward Artemi Panarin was placed into COVID-19 protocol, and the game against the Golden Knights was the third game he missed.
According to the NHL’s revised protocols, players testing positive for the coronavirus who are vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms now need only serve a five-day isolation period, meaning Panarin – if he meets the necessary criteria – could potentially clear protocol Friday. That would make him available to play Saturday, when the Rangers are scheduled to play Game 2 of their season-long, five-game road trip in Anaheim against the Ducks (their game Thursday against the Red Wings was postponed due to COVID, and rescheduled for Sunday).