'Just Empty': Mika Zibanejad’s Olympic dream ends in heartbreak after OT shocker

The high of a "goal scorer’s goal" lasted only as long as the final horn. Moments after Mika Zibanejad dragged Sweden back into the fight with a clutch tally that left even Mike Sullivan in awe, the New York Rangers star was left staring at the sudden reality of an Olympic exit.

Sweden was eliminated in overtime by Team USA on Wednesday, and it wasn't by lack of trying on Zibanejad's part. The Rangers' star center came up clutch when his country needed him most, and he tied things up 1-1 with time winding down in regulation.

Quinn Hughes' winner in overtime sealed Zibanejad and Sweden's fate, and the gravity of the situation is something that's clearly weighing on the Rangers' alternate captain.

Gravity of loss weighs heavy on Zibanejad

Via Mollie Walker of the New York Post:

“Just empty. It's tough. I thought we pushed, we pushed through the whole third and obviously get the tying goal. Get ourselves to overtime. To see the puck go in for them and you know it's over, it's tough."

Walker went on to share that Sullivan saw Zibanejad in the hallway, and the goal scored was a "goal scorers goal". In total, Zibanejad's time in Italy with Sweden at the Olympics ends with a line of three goals, three assists, and six points in five games. It was quite an impressive Olympic debut for Zibanejad, and one would think he could be a key veteran voice to have around for the 2030 Olympics in France.

Zibanejad's six points were second most on the team, and he only trailed Lucas Raymond who had nine points (one goal and eight assists). What is notable about this tournament is that Zibanejad started out on the wing, a position he's become comfortable with in New York. He was then shifted back to center, something that's happened this year as well in the NHL, and he was part of the top six for Sweden.

The loss and early exit for Sweden, a team that would have made it to the medal round had they performed better in group play, obviously sucks for Zibanejad. But he should hold his head high and feel good about his performance. In recent years fans have bemoaned Zibanejad's tendency to shrink when the games get tougher, but he was at his best when the lights shined brighest. It was a close loss that could have gone Sweden's way, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Zibanejad will have chance for redemption

While the World Championships aren't the Olympics, Zibanejad will be in the position to represent his county once again in a few months. The Rangers aren't making the playoffs, and that will give Zibanejad the free time to once again suit up for Tre Kronor. He's previously won gold and bronze at worlds, and I'd imagine this Olympic defeat will motivate him to try and win some hardware for his country.