Mika Zibanejad Strikes Early: A Sign of Positivity for This Season

Mika Zibanejad scored two goals, one shorthanded and one power-play goal as he helped the Rangers overcome Tampa Bay in the season opener. Scoring two goals this early on could be a sign of things to come for Zibanejad this season.

Over the past few seasons, Zibanejad has become known as more of a goal scorer. Since he scored forty-one goals during the 2019-2020 season, Zibanejad has scored twenty-four and twenty-nine goals in the following two seasons. While not quite at the level he was at during the 2019 season, he has quickly become a reliable goal scorer for the Rangers.

Another trend in the past two seasons is how Zibanejad has struggled to score early on in the season. He scored only one goal in the first month of the season in the past two years. Having already scored two goals to start the year, hopefully, we can see a new trend begin with Zibanejad and he can score at a more consistent pace to start the year.

Against Tampa Bay, Mika was dominant in all aspects of the game. He led the team with nine shots on goal, won 69% of his face-offs and his line with Kreider and Kakko looked dangerous each time they were on the ice. If they continue to play together at this level, each player can help the other succeed as Kakko looks to have a breakout season and we all know how good Zibanejad and Kreider are together.

Each player on that line has the potential to score over thirty goals this season. We have seen what Kreider can do and Kakko has improved his shooting from the previous year. For Zibanejad, if he can stay healthy and score at a consistent pace throughout the season, this could be his best season as a New York Ranger.