Chris KreiderIt is obviously biased. Mika ZibanejadHe is his best friend on the Rangers. They’re the dynamic duo that plays on the same line and spends plenty of time together. One of the memorable moments from the Rangers’ 2022 playoff run was Kreider grabbing a tablet out of Zibanejad’s hands during Game 6 of the opening round against the PenguinsIt can be tossed aside.
“He’s one of the best players in the league,” Kreider said over the weekend, “whether or not he believes it.”
Zibanejad thinks. Sometimes, it can get him into trouble. This was evident in the five first rounds against the Penguins. He got too involved in matching against. Sidney Crosby that Zibanejad forgot why he got that assignment — he’s the Rangers’ No. Their No. 1 center, and their most versatile forward. The Rangers required him to be the guy that Crosby would love to shadow, and he was, with mild success, as the Penguins built a 3-1 series advantage.
“That’s a lesson for me,” Zibanejad said. “Even though I’m not the youngest guy here I feel like every year I get something out of it and that’s the way it is in life. You learn every year as a player and person, and you strive to improve. I’m not ashamed of admitting that took a toll on me, but it’s good to have for next time.”
Zibanejad turns 30 in April
