New York. Mika Zibanejad is unstoppable.
He hit the 30-goal mark when the New York Rangers claimed their seventh consecutive win over Edmonton last night – catching up with William Nylander at the top of the Swedish shooting league.
– The situations continue and are of course a “boost” to the confidence that the pucks will come in, “Mr. Februari” tells Sportbladet after the dramatic 5-4 win.
We knew what we were doing when we called Mika Zibanejad “Mr. February.”
At this time of year, the center of the stars usually separates from Mälarhöjden south of Stockholm, and that’s really what happened this time, too.
Since the turn of the month, he’s scored in almost every game – eight in every six matches. And with his brilliance last night in Edmonton, he hit 30 for the third time in his career – and now William Nylander is joint number one in the Swedish Shooting League.
– Yes, of course it’s a lot of fun, says Mika when we get to him in Edmonton.
– Opportunities keep coming, and that’s because my teammates are ready for me, which is of course a ‘booster’ for self-confidence when pucks come in.
A very important goal
Last night’s goal was also very important. Because still, in a five-on-three situation in the third period, the Rangers completed a rally from a 1-4 deficit in the first period. Then they won on penalties.
In terms of results, the first half wasn’t one of our best, but at halftime the coach came and said, “We’re not going to lose this match.” Mika continues: We always felt we could go back.
– It sure is powerful to do that, too. At the same time, we owe it to ourselves because the last time we faced the Oilers, we lost a 3-0 lead last period.
Matthias Janmark gets an assist for Edmonton.
The other New York team, the Islanders, also had a successful night at home against Pittsburgh.
Rijkaard Raquel scored twice for the visitors, ensuring a 3-1 and 4-2 lead in the second half, but the home team came back and turned around to win 5-4.
By doing so, they rose to the last wildcard spot. Admittedly, more matches have been played than many competitors in the dash rally, but still.
– We look at the table and know that there is no room for error now. Veteran Zach Barris, who scored the decisive goal in his 1,200th game, says he was very fit.
Full backs Sebastian Ahu and Marcus Peterson each provided an assist.
Chicago won, for once, away to Ottawa 4-3 – after an extra goal by Andreas Athanasio.
Erik Bernstrom helped achieve one of the Senators’ goals.