Mika Zibanejad Easily Earns MVP against Detroit Red Wings

Mika Zibanejad posted two assists and a goal in the New York Rangers' 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday.

Zibanejad's high performing night couldn't have come at a better time, Zibanejad did not have a point in the Rangers' first two games, including being a minus-4 against Utah. But the Oct. 14 contest saw him play a big role in the first leg of this home-and-home with the Detroit Red Wings. Also worth mentioning was goaltender Igor Shesterkin who made 31 saves.

Zibanejad is understandably held to a higher standard because of his significance on the ice. They're at their best when No. 93 is hot, and if he can parlay Monday's points into a hot streak or productive season, then they'll be all the better for it.

Though, he says the team still has plenty more to prove despite the first home win of the season.

"We're close to clicking, but I can't say yes [that we're there]," Zibanejad said. "We're working on it. We want this to work as much as anyone else. It's frustrating when we don't connect, but obviously we'll keep working on it. I think we do a good job of just kind of sticking to it, sticking to it. We all believe that we're going to be successful and we're going to have a good line. It's right there, but I can't say, 'Yes, this was it.'"

In the 2022-23 season, he achieved a career high of 91 points while also being voted as the team MVP.

He called Madison Square Garden home after he was traded to the Rangers by Ottawa with Ottawa's 2nd round pick in 2018 NHL Draft for Derick Brassard and NY Rangers' 7th round pick in 2018 NHL Draft, July 18, 2016.

Against the Red Wings he also had a team high of five shots on goal on a team-high nine attempts.

The Rangers continue play against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. EST, sharp.