Mika Zibanejad makes his feelings known after Rangers barely edge out Sabres 

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 12, 2024 04:48 GMT

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Mika Zibanejad helped the New York Rangers secure a 3-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday. The Rangers were looking to bounce back after losing 2-1 to the Chicago Blackhawks in their last game. Before the game, they had lost seven out of their last 10 games. They also traded their captain Jacob Trouba as a result to change the team's disappointing fall from 12-4-1 in the first 17 games.

Zibanejad shared his thoughts after the game with New York Post's Mollie Walker, who shared his comments on X/Twitter:

“That’s what we talked about before the game, just one, one win. That’s all we care about,” Zibanejad said. “Obviously, you want to be able to stand here with an unbelievable effort for 60 minutes and have only positive stuff [to say], but I’ll take the win. We’ll take the win, and keep building.”

During the game, Zibanejad reached a significant milestone after he scored his 300th NHL career goal. He is now just one point short of 400 career assists as well, which would also bring him to 700 career points.

This season, Zibanejad has been a consistent contributor, recording six goals and 15 assists in 28 games. Despite the Rangers’ challenges, his performance has kept the team competitive. But fans expect more from him which was seen in the last game loss to Blackhawks.

Drafted No. 6 overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2011, Zibanejad has played 876 games and scored 699 career points. His leadership and scoring ability remain key for the Rangers as they aim to build momentum this season.

Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring for Rangers in 1st period

The Rangers defeated the Sabres at KeyBank Center, handing Buffalo their eighth straight loss. Zibanejad scored first on a power play at 7:01 in the first period. Adam Fox intercepted a clearing attempt and passed to Artemi Panarin, who set up Zibanejad for a wrist shot from the right circle.

Reilly Smith made it 2-0 at 13:29 in the third period. He scored after a rebound deflected off Owen Power’s skate. Power then cut the lead to 2-1 at 15:09. He scored on a wrist shot from the slot after a pass from Peyton Krebs. Fox extended the lead with an empty-net goal at 17:58 before Tage Thompson made it 3-2 with a one-timer at 19:22.

Igor Shesterkin stopped 29 shots for the Rangers. He recently signed a whopping $92 million contract and recorded his 10th win of the season.

Zibanejad and Co. host the LA Kings next at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.