"He single-handedly sabotaged the Rangers": Mika Zibanejad faces Blueshirts fans' ire after costly turnovers result in 6-3 loss to Winnipeg Jets

By ARJUN B

Modified Nov 13, 2024 04:32 GMT

The New York Rangers suffered a tough 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The loss marked the Blueshirts' fourth in their last eight games, while Winnipeg improved to 15-1-0 to start the season.

Center Mika Zibanejad found himself in the crosshairs of Rangers fans after committing three costly turnovers that directly led to Jets goals.

Fans took to social media to vent their frustration with Zibanejad. One fan wrote,

"How zibanejad continues to get ANY ice time is baffling. He single handedly sabotaged the rangers from having a very good chance at beating the best team in the league right now. Turnover machine, whiffs every good pass to him. Dude doesn't even deserve 3rd line minutes."

Another fan wrote,

"You’re not gonna win shit if you keep playing Zibanejad, Miller, and Lindgren. Those guys are some of the worst players in the league."

Here are some more fan reactions:

"That game is winnable without Zibanejad. He's responsible for 3 goals against. It's worth $8.5 million to have him not play." one fan wrote on X.

"scratch zibanejad now, sit him for the next 5 games." another user wrote.

"I really dont wanna wait til march for mika to show up. But I think its time we give him a sit for a game or two he was not at all there tonight." a user commented.

"Should’ve given the start to Quick, either send Mika to mars or put him on the third line, send miller to mars" another user wrote.

Mika Zibanejad's turnovers resulted in 6-3 loss to Jets

In the opening minute, Mika Zibanejad attempted to bank a pass off the boards to Artemi Panarin, but it ended up going straight to Josh Morrissey, who fed Mark Scheifele for an easy Winnipeg goal.

In the second period, another Zibanejad turnover proved costly. After carrying into the offensive zone, he fumbled the puck, sparking a Jets rush the other way. Kyle Connor finished the two-on-one with a wrister past Igor Shesterkin to make it 3-2 Winnipeg.

Mika Zibanejad's third blunder opened the third period. Vilardi picked Zibanejad’s pocket in the neutral zone and Winnipeg converted it into Scheifele's second goal, stretching their lead to 4-2.

These turnovers ultimately led the Jets to secure a 6-3 win over the Rangers.

The Rangers will look to bounce back against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.