In a recent episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Artemi Panarin was complimented for his skills on the ice, but not in the way you might think.
In a scene with Cheryl Hines and actor J.B. Smoove, Larry David was scolded for his choice of pillow talk, saying that instead of discussing feelings, he would prefer his late-night conversations to include topics such as the New York Rangers.
“If you wanna talk about the Rangers…” David says. “How about the way Breadman’s played? The way he controls that puck, it’s really amazing, isn’t it?”
Panarin’s teammate, Adam Fox, showed him the clip, and while Panarin was unfamiliar with the sitcom, he said that he would “try to stick handle better now.”
We can’t blame Larry David for wanting to discuss the success of the Rangers’ top point-scorer (108 points), but perhaps the bedroom is not the best place for this kind of discussion. Though that is up for you all to decide, and perhaps don’t let us know.
Panarin was coined “Breadman” during his rookie year in Chicago. Right before the Russian signed with the Hawks as an international free agent, the club traded for Artem Anisimov. Quick into their transitions to the Windy City, both men were assigned to skate with the second line, Artem and Artemi sharing the ice, what could go wrong?
Former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville made the “Breadman” nickname public, but was not sure who originally came up with it. The origins tie back to Panera Bread: Panera, Panarin, you can connect the dots.
The name stuck, and has followed Panarin around the league, even to a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode.
The comedian is an avid Knicks and Rangers fan, and was gifted a Rangers Stadium Series back in February. While the sweater didn’t don Panarin’s name, David rocked the (other) red, white and blue.
“PRETTYYY, PRETTY, PRETTY GOOD.”
It’s Larry David-approved. No further questions at this time. pic.twitter.com/oMxWac47mz
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 4, 2024
If anyone is looking to discuss the Rangers, or the offensive prowess that has come from Panarin this year, you know who to call!
