Some guys seem like they just have it all, don't they? For Mika Zibanejad, he's got the coveted triple threat. A lethal combo of having a cushy job at the greatest arena in the world, luscious flowing locks, and a blistering wrister that sends goalies into the fetal position. Tonight, Zibanejad added to the legend that is number 93 for the New York Rangers with an unforgettable five goal performance that included the OT winner over the Captials.
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Zibanejad has always had a weird energy surrounding him. Originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, a lot of people didn't know exactly where his ceiling as a player was. After a few average seasons with the Sens, he was traded to the Rangers in 2016 for Derick Brassard. For Ottawa, he showed flashes of greatness here and there but was never able to get over that hump, especially for a player they had taken sixth overall. But if there was any question about his abilities before, the late bloomer Zibanejad has hushed the critics in a hurry.
Any minor league head coach should pull the film from this game and show it to their youngsters. All five of Zibanejad's goals were perfect examples of finding open ice and taking advantage of the free space.
The first came on the Power play where Zibanejad set himself up right outside of the blue paint where not a single Capital was within two or three feet of him. Artemi Panarin blasted a slap pass where Zibanejad easily tipped it by Ilya Samsonov. The second featured Zibanejad once again shifting below multiple defenders out of sight and blasting a one-timer by Samsonov. The third came right off the opening draw to start the third period that came from a beautiful backhand no-look pass right to a wide open Zibanejad who tapped it in without Samsonov even looking the right direction. The fourth was a lucky bounce that landed right on his stick but once again, finding the open ice undefended will usually end in a positive result. And the final OT winner was a heads up play by Zibanejad who zoomed up the center of the ice while Caps forwards made a lazy change and found himself all alone for the backhand roofer.
After the game, Zibanejad was mostly speechless, unable to process what had just taken place.
"I feel speechless right now, to be honest with you," said Zibanejad. "It's a night I'll remember for a long time."
The game was an instant classic as the Captials battled back as Alex Ovechkin tied it with the goalie pulled late in the third. But tonight was destined for the New York Rangers and Mika Zibanejad. After tonight's win, the Rangers only sit two points back from the New York Islanders for the second wild card spot. With a struggling Islanders team in their sights, every remaining game will become the most important game of the season. If i had to put my own money down, I would bet on whichever team Mika Zibanejad plays for to get in.
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