Mika Zibanejad’s Rangers resurgence is definitely evident in Sweden’s dominant Olympic opener

Mika Zibanejad went on a heater for the New York Rangers by scoring 11 goals and adding 11 assists for 22 points in his final 15 games before departing for 2026 Olympics, and his performance for Tre Kronor on Wednesday was just a continuation of the play fans have enjoyed this season. Zibanejad got off to a hot start for Sweden by recording a goal and an assist in a convincing 5-2 win, and it is the kind of performance fans have come to expect from Zibanejad.

Zibanejad productive for Sweden, even with limited minutes

Zibanejad is a top line player for the Rangers back in New York, and so far this season he's scored 23 goals and added 29 assists for 52 points in 56 games while averaging 20:59 per night. Although he is tied for second in scoring this season for players born in Sweden, Zibanejad started in a bottom six role with Rickard Rakell on the left wing, and Elias Petterson down the middle. The Rangers' alternate captain skated just 13:43 in the win, and that he recorded a goal and an assist speaks to his overall efficiency during the win over Italy.

International success is nothing new for Zibanajed

International hockey has been a big part of Zibanejad's career as a hockey player, and it started back in 2012 at the World Junior Championships. As a young neophyte, Zibanejad scored the golden goal in overtime to defeat Russia 1-0, and it snapped a three decade long gold medal drought for Sweden.

Zibanejad has enjoyed having the opportunity to represent Sweden at the World Championships, and tallied six goals, five assists, and 11 points in 10 games during the 2018 tournament which resulted in a gold medal.

He also held a leadership role for Sweden in 2025 as an alternate captain, and he tallied eight points in nine games on the way to a bronze medal. In total international competition as a pro, Zibanejad has 10 goals, 15 assists, and 25 points in 26 games. As a junior player, he scored 30 goals, added 27 assists, and finished with 57 points in 48 games per Elite Prospects. Playing for Sweden is important to Zibanejad, and that was evident in Wednesday's win.

What's next for Zibanejad and Sweden?

Zibanejad and Sweden are back in action against Finland on Friday, and it should be an interesting matchup. Finland was upset by Slovakia in their opening game, and that makes this game a must win for them if they have any chance of trying to earn a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.