Mika Zibanejad extended his streak
New York. This is how you introduce yourself at your new workplace…
It took Vladimir Tarasenko no more than a run and a half to score in tonight’s first game with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
– You can’t imagine a better start. Fellow pitcher Mika Zibanejad, who extended his fine streak in February with another hit, says the pressure eased immediately, after the 6-3 win over Seattle.
The lives of NHL stars are heartbreaking at times.
Late Thursday afternoon, Vladimir Tarasenko learned that after 11 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, he was traded to the New York Rangers.
Last night, just over a day later, he made his debut for his new team in Madison Garden itself – against Seattle
But no one can argue that the 31-year-old sharpshooter – who was immediately bundled into the first series with Mika Zibanejad and his close friend Artemy Panarin – made an appearance of sorts.
Already on his second substitution, 2.49 in the first half, he came flying with Panarin in a counterattack, took space in the penalty area, got a perfect pass and shot 1-0.
Moments later, the entire park exploded in a chorus of praise for its new star:
Tara Cinco, Tara Cinco, Tara Cinco.
– I’ve never been involved in anything like this, Tank says with a wide smile in the dressing room afterwards.
No, hardly anyone else has either.
His co-star Mika Zibanejad shakes his head when we meet him.
– It was very interesting to see him score on the spot, says the Swedish center.
– You can’t imagine a better start. There is a little bit of pressure when you play in such a line, especially from ourselves, we really want it to work, and that pressure is instantly released.
The trio managed to talk to each other a bit during Friday morning practice and right before the game – and then it was just a matter of getting out and driving, says Mika.
– I think in general it went well, we created a lot throughout the match.
“After the All-Star break I ended up…”
There was also more profit, at least for “DJ Zbad”. On the power play, he continued his impressive streak in February scoring the fourth goal in his last three games – and 26th overall in the regular season for the year.
-Usually in March people say I start producing, but oh well maybe after the all-star break I ended up, it goes on.
Once again I had a great pass from Chris Kreider, a pass that the defenders didn’t expect, it was just a matter of shooting.
The win over the Kraken was the Rangers’ fourth straight win, but they still had to do their best to keep their streak going.
Immediately after tonight’s game, they flew to Raleigh for a tough duel on Saturday against Section VII North Carolina. From there, they will continue directly to western Canada for meetings with Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary next week.
It will be a challenge – even with Vladimir Tarasenko in the squad.
After little more than a week’s rest, Toronto got back into the heat last night – with a slated 3-0 win away to Columbus.
“For it being the first game after such a long break it was more than acceptable, I think we made a solid and patient effort,” says coach Sheldon Cave.
Pierre Engvall scored a stunning goal – his 11th of the season – midway through the third period.
In the bottom meeting between Chicago and Arizona at the United Center, the score was 3-3 at full time. Caleb Jones then settled the home team into overtime.