Artemi Panarin, the Los Angeles Kings left wing, had been nervous about facing his former team at Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers, since he was traded to the Kings on February 4. Panarin expressed relief at his return to Madison Square Gardens after a difficult return to the arena, where he felt the support of the fans and the No. 10 Rangers jerseys remained in the stands throughout the game. He also had to navigate a tribute video by the Rangers thanking him for his seven years with the team. Despite being traded to Los Angeles, Panarin found himself in better standing with the Kings compared to the Rangers.