Artemi Panarin is better than anyone thought

When his first NHL shot went into the net, it was probably a good indication the Blackhawks were getting a special player in Artemi Panarin.

But no one could have imagined the 24-year-old Russian would be this ridiculously good this fast.

Just take a look at his second goal on Wednesday, giving him his consecutive two-goal nights in wins over the Penguins.

Here’s his first goal:

Panarin leads all rookies with 38 points, 10 more than the Max Domi of the Coyotes who is in second.

Some Panarin numbers:

—He has nine multi-point games this season.

—His 15 goals and 23 assists leads rookies in both categories.

—He has seven points (five goals, two assists) in his last five games.

—According to Elias, Panarin is the first Blackhawks rookie to register consecutive multi-goal games since 2005 (Pavel Vorobiev).