New York. It was a happy day for Mika Zibanejad.
Yesterday, the New York Rangers were all set for the playoffs and in tonight’s home game against Columbus, they touched their NHL scoring record.
– Of course it’s nice, you always want to improve, the star midfielder tells Sportbladet after the 6-2 win.
Despite not playing, the Rangers already “snatched” their ticket to the Stanley Cup playoffs last night, because both Florida and Buffalo lost and that was enough.
But that in no way means Mika Zibanejad dueled tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Madison Square Garden.
He pounded in his 38th strikeout of the season, on an unmatched sandwich to a pass from Artemi Panarin, and was also responsible for an assist – to the same Panarin.
Jerks in the Swedish league
With this, the 29-year-old Stockholmer makes a move at the top of the Swedish shooting league — and also touches his own NHL record of 81 points. With eight matches left to play.
– Yes, there was good news at last. We’ve been in a good position in the table for a long time, but it’s still nice to secure a place in the playoffs,” Mika says when we spoke to him after the Columbus game.
– Of course, it is also good to achieve the best results on a personal level. You always want to get better, and that’s a small sign that you’re making progress.
Coach praised her
Now, it’s not just offensive power that Manhattan’s No. 1 has to offer. He plays in all kinds of positions and pulls a great defensive load as well.
Mika is a great two-way player and should be in the Selky Trophy discussion, says coach Gerard Gallant.
In last night’s game the New York Stars had trouble getting motivated, it looked like it anyway, but they did what they had to do and won 6-2.
That means they’re just two points clear of second-place rivals New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan table – and on Friday night they meet in what promises to be a rare heated derby in Newark.
– It wasn’t so long ago that the distance between them seemed so great, but now we’re there and this match should be a lot of fun, says Mika.