New York Rangers: Zibanejad’s hot streak underlined with Second Star honors

Mika Zibanejad has morphed into a cornerstone piece for the New York Rangers, and his recent heroics have now been recognized.

The New York Rangers forward was named as one of the NHL’s Three Stars for the month of February after absolutely lighting it up.

Zibanejad was red hot in February, recording 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points in 15 games for the Rangers.

It was an explosive month for the center, who has been one of the leading lights for the Blueshirts this year alongside the likes of Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Adam Fox.

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Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl was named the First Star for February after leading the NHL in scoring with 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 14 games.

And David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins was announced as the Third Star with the forward continuing his stellar year, potting 10 goals and tallying nine assists for 19 points in 14 games, including four game-winning goals.

But it will be the fact that Zibanejad was crowned the Second Star for February that will most concern Rangers fans, who have seen the forward go from strength-to-strength during his time with the franchise.

A decent NHL forward with the Ottawa Senators, recording 151 points (64 goals, 87 assists) in 281 career games, Zibanejad has really elevated his game with the Rangers.

After breaking out last year with 74 points (30 goals, 44 assists) in 82 games for the Blueshirts, the 26-year-old has really taken that next step this year.

Through 53 games this season, Zibanejad has amassed 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points and is on pace to achieve a new career-high in a number of categories, and that is despite missing a chunk of games earlier in the year with an upper-body injury.

His hot streak in February was just the tip of the iceberg too in terms of how dynamic he has been this year.

Zibanejad’s 15 goals and 27 points lead the NHL since Jan. 31, while he also ranks fifth in the league in third-period goals (15).

He also has 25 power play points this year and many fans’ choice for the next captain of this storied franchise will need another big month in March.

Because, after really coming up clutch in February, Zibanejad will need to continue to produce the goods with Chris Kreider out for the foreseeable future with a fractured foot.

If the Rangers are to overcome recent setbacks to claw their way into the postseason, then they will need the likes of Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin to continue to come up clutch in the biggest moments.

After all, the true elite players in the NHL can throw their team on their back and lead them to the promised land, and Zibanejad will now have to do the same if the Rangers are to extend their season.

You wouldn’t bet against Zibanejad doing it given how stellar he has been all year, and the fact that he was one of the best players in the NHL in the month of February is further proof of just how important he has become for this franchise.

He is as important to the Rangers as David Pastrnak is to the Bruins and Leon Draisaitl is to the Edmonton Oilers, and Mika Zibanejad could be line for more honors in March should he rise to the occasion again and propels this team to the promised land of the playoffs.