While lacking in goals, the Rangers 1-0 shootout win over the Columbus Blue Jackets was not without drama. In the overtime period, Mika Zibanejad missed not one, but two potential game-clinching breakaway chances. He was presented a third opportunity to ice the game in the shootout, but failed to convert on that chance as well.
There was once a time when seeing Zibanejad breaking towards the opposing goaltender meant a sure goal. His devastating backhand shot would find the roof of the net more often than not. Fast forward to today, and he has missed five potential game-winning breakaways in the Rangers last three overtime contests. What has changed?
Do we believe it? YES WE DO.@MikaZibanejad scores No. 5 of the night in @EASPORTSNHL OT. pic.twitter.com/GgQqPtRsQ9
— NHL (@NHL) March 6, 2020
Zibanejad's most iconic goal also features his trademarked backhanded breakaway move. Once he split the defense, everyone knew exactly what he was going to do. It was predictable, but incredibly effective. In Saturday's game against Columbus, he only tried to score from this move once.
Zibanejad's first breakaway came with just over three-and-a-half minutes to play in overtime. As he glided towards Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov, the Rangers top center tried to beat him with a clean wrist shot. Tarasov made a nice glove save, keeping the game alive. Minutes later, Zibanejad was given another chance. After receiving a beautiful pass from Igor Shesterkin, who recorded his second shutout of the season, he attempted the patented backhander to win the game. However, the initial shot fake was not particularly convincing. Tarasov dove to his right, and Zibanejad failed to elevate the puck over his opponent's outstretched arm.
When he lined up at center ice to take his shootout chance, it felt like Zibanejad was destined to score. He wouldn't miss three chances in such a short stretch, right? After faking a backhand, he opted to try to beat Tarasov with a wrister glove side. So much for destiny.
Zibanejad's breakaway struggles have been head-scratching. His vexing play has started to rebound in recent games, but he cannot seem to get out of his own way. Scoring a dramatic game-winner at home could have sparked the 31-year-old. Perhaps he will be able to break out of his breakaway slump on Sunday night against a Montreal Canadiens team that ranks 26th in goals against.