Rangers' Mika Zibanejad gives a raw assessment of his mental state after struggling start to the season

By ARJUN B

Modified Nov 14, 2024 02:35 GMT

After the New York Rangers' 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, star center Mika Zibanejad opened up about his mental state after a struggling start to the season.

Zibanejad, who carries a $64 million contract as the Rangers' top center, found himself in the crosshairs of fans after committing three costly turnovers that directly led to Jets goals. Through 14 games this season, Zibanejad has only managed 2 goals and 9 assists.

"It's the hardest thing ever," Mika Zibanejad said following Wednesday's practice. "I can't explain it. I can always talk. I can always answer your guys' questions to the best of my abilities to explain it. But I will never be able to fully explain what it is when you're in the situation."

The 31-year-old Swede acknowledged the mental challenges of overcoming mistakes and finding consistency amidst a slow start.

"You have the mantras. You have the sayings to yourself - forget about the mistake, just next action, next game, next shift. It's harder than it sounds," he remarked.

Nonetheless, Zibanejad remains determined to push through this rough patch.

Mika Zibanejad's mistakes in 6-3 loss to Jets

In the opening minute of the game, Mika Zibanejad tried to pass to Artemi Panarin along the boards. Unfortunately, Josh Morrissey intercepted it, resulting in an easy goal for Mark Scheifele.

In the middle period, Zibanejad lost possession of the puck, which led to a charge by Winnipeg with Kyle Connor scoring in a two on one situation to put Winnipeg ahead 3–2۔

"I can bury myself in negativity and make it even worse, or try to learn from it and take the positives that were in the game. My job is to go out there and play a good game. Whether I have a great game the game before or a bad game, it doesn't change.” Mika Zibanejad said.

In the third period, things stayed consistent when Zibanejad lost possession in the neutral zone and gave the Jets the chance to counterattack, leading to Scheifele scoring his second goal of the night for a 4-2 advantage.

The three goals resulted in a 6-3 loss to Winnipeg.

“You're expecting me–and I'm expecting myself – to play every night. It's not going to happen every night, even as much as I want to, but just play hard and have a short memory." he added.

The team will look to rebound on Thursday night when they host the San Jose Sharks at Madison Square Garden.