Artemi Panarin’s happy-go-lucky personality makes it seem as if he is always in a good mood, but the Rangers left wing has apparently been wary of his slower-than-usual start to the season and how it has affected his demeanor.

When asked if his game is where he wants it to be at this point of the season, Panarin was frank.

“Not really; tough start,” he said. “But, right now, better. Most importantly, I’m in a good mood. That [gives] me more motivation.”

Even though his always-boisterous presence on the ice indicates otherwise, Panarin is not always happy. Evidently, Panarin’s mood has coincided with his recent play, which has prompted the forward to believe he needs to do more for the Rangers.

“Sometimes when everything is going right and [you’re like], ‘OK, that’s normal,’ ” said Panarin, whose two goals through 13 games are his lowest production rate since the 2017-18 season, “sometimes you need to [feel] down to appreciate what you have usually.”

The Rangers, whose next game is Saturday at Columbus, entered Thursday ranked 29th in goals per 60 (1.61) and dead last in shots per 60 (22.83). Head coach Gerard Gallant has said the Rangers as a whole need to shoot more, but also noted Panarin in particular is at the top of his game when he’s taking plenty of shots.

Panarin has been limited to zero shots on goal on four different occasions already this season, including the last two games, against the Panthers and Flames. He is averaging a mere 1.61 shots per game, while his 21 total shots rank seventh on the Rangers, behind youngsters such as Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil.

Panarin, who is averaging a point per game and has posted 11 assists, also said he thinks he needs to utilize his skating more. He noted that since he had no shortage of points in his first two seasons as a Ranger, when he combined for 49 goals and 104 assists in 111 games, he hasn’t had to alter his game. Now, Panarin feels it is time to make a change.

“Maybe I need to be more [of a] shooter,” Panarin said. “But that’s probably just not about shooting, maybe better position because usually I’m [starting] the attack, and then that’s why somebody should for me because I try to take a couple guys on me and make a pass. So if maybe I go closer to the net without the puck, maybe I score some.”

Panarin lost both of his usual linemates for a few games earlier in the season, when Ryan Strome contracted COVID-19 and had to miss the first road trip to Canada and Kaapo Kakko went on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. Panarin acknowledged he might have been thrown off having to play without them.

But Panarin believes it all comes down to effort for the Rangers.

“You need to give 100 percent to hockey every day,” he said. “There can be no luck for you in the beginning or in the middle of the season. So if you’re working hard, the points come, the wins come. We’re still winning, that’s a good thing. That’s probably what I feel everybody needs to do, just give 100 percent to hockey.”