The New York Rangers are set to face off against the unknown potential of the San Jose Sharks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. The home woes continue to mark a larger impact on the Blueshirts 2024-25 season, and something has to give at this point.
There have been a couple of players putting in some good performances on a nightly basis this season. Namely, Mika Zibanejad, who has turned his Rangers legacy around with a complete 180-degree turn from the debacle that was last season.
How has he achieved success, and how much as he grown both on and off the ice?
On the ice turnaround
So far this season, both Zibanejad and, as of late, Artemi Panarin, have been the top two offensive performers. The center-turned-winger, now back to center with the injury to Vincent Trocheck, Zibenajad has scored a pair of goals and added a pair of assists for four points in eight games.
What has really sparked this turnaround has been No. 93's willingness to go on an all-out assault on the opposing goaltender. Leading the Rangers with 31 shots on goal thus far, his 3.88 shots per game is the 12th-highest in the NHL. Sure, two goals are, so far, not groundbreaking, but he is getting the chances on a team that is failing to even get to that point. He ended last season with a 45.22 GF%, a 48.3 CF%, and a 48.08 xGF% per Evolving-Hockey. Thus far, in a small sample, the historically slow starting Zibanejad is rocking a 60.12 GF%, a 52.19 CF%, and a 52.81 xGF%.
Off the ice passion
When the Rangers traded away long-time veteran, and Zibanejad's best friend on this team, Chris Kreider, it was unclear how the Swedish center would respond. His play has turned around, and a silent voice in the locker room has now seemingly started to speak up with some passion in his tone.
Mika Zibanejad was asked about creating puck luck:
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 21, 2025
"We just have to keep going. I don't know. Do you have a better idea than what we're doing right now? Honestly. It's frustrating. I know you guys have to ask the questions. We have to bear down. I have to score on that one" pic.twitter.com/eR3R0epFS7
The team as a whole is frustrated, but it is understandable for Zibanejad to be among the leaders of that disgruntled group. The chances have been coming in droves, but the outcome still results in an "L" on the schedule sheet. Couple that with the Rangers goaltender, Igor Shesterkin, having an early bid on a Vezina Trophy with a losing record, the tension is rising.
Zibanejad, who many thought would have been the captain at this point, has often been linked to not being a guy who shows feeling. Now, it seems like he is taking a little bit of charge by making his emotions show.
Zibanejad has to continue with his recent postive play. The Rangers cannot afford for him to recede backward, especially with the overall disappointments thus far.