Mika Zibanejad played in game number 900 against the Vegas Golden Knights. He marked the occasion with a goal and two assists for a three-point night as the Rangers returned in the third period to defeat the Knights and snap a three-game skid. It's been a difficult season for Mika, but game number 900 of his career could be a watershed moment for the Swedish centerman ahead of the Four Nations faceoff later in the month.
With 560 points with the New York Rangers, Zibanejad is 11th all-time in points for the franchise. He's been one of the better players in the iconic Blueshirt during his tenure in Manhatten, but the Rangers require more from the Swedish center this year. However, a three-point night against the Vegas Golden Knights could be the difference in the season for him and a turning point after eighteen months of struggle in New York.
Zibanejad's up to 23 points this year, but the Rangers need more out of their star center if they compete in the Eastern Conference this year. He's been playing on the right wing in line with Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller for Peter Laviolette's team, and the Rangers need more out of him if that line will work together. Taking the pressure off him performing as a center might be better, but Mika has to produce on the wing to justify this.
If Mika can return to his best, the Rangers can deploy a center trio of Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and J.T. Miller. With those three, the Rangers are as deep down the middle of the ice as any other team in the league. However, the Rangers need Zibanejad to be the centerman he was in the first few years of his tenure. If the Blueshirts are going to compete for the Stanley Cup, the Rangers need more out of him.