MONTREAL — Mika Zibanejad’s season with the Rangers has not been as much as par.
However this isn’t the Rangers.
“You’re playing for your country,” Zibanejad stated Wednesday earlier than Workforce Sweden misplaced 4-3 in extra time to Canada to open the 4 Nations Face-Off. “It’s a lot different, but I think it’s a lot of fun, too. There’s a pride and there’s an honor that goes into wearing this jersey. Being able to play with these guys is a lot of fun and there’s a lot of excitement. I’ve been looking forward to this day and it’s finally here.”
Zibanejad, for the second day operating, spent most of his session with reporters trying relaxed and content material.
Whilst his sport has picked up just lately with the Rangers, it’s a far cry from the demeanor he’s had for a lot of the yr with the Blueshirts.
Having by no means earlier than represented Sweden in best-on-best competitors, Zibanejad is all of a sudden in a distinct atmosphere, the place the slate is clear and the place he can simply exit and play.
Sure, there are strain and nerves — Tre Kroner shouldn’t be right here to be a punching bag for the USA or Canada, because it proved in preventing again from a 3-1 deficit to earn some extent on Wednesday. However like everyone else right here, that’s eclipsed for Zibanejad by the thrill of lastly attending to characterize his nation on a stage like this.
Sweden coach Sam Hallam began Zibanejad on his high line between Rickard Rakell and William Nylander, as a lot a present of religion as may very well be, and Zibanejad’s 20:01 of ice was greater than each ahead save Nylander.
“Rakell and Mika played together in the Worlds a couple years ago and were really successful. Pretty good buddies outside the ice, too,” Hallam stated. “That plays in a bit. But mainly they’re three really good players. Willy can skate with the puck and if he can get the puck to Mika or Rakey, we’re hopefully gonna get some goals there.”
There isn’t any weight of the Rangers’ season right here, no Commerce Memo or 3-10-0 December. For this match, Zibanejad might be freed from that, and hopefully discover the most effective model of himself earlier than returning to New York.
“It’s been very impressive the last couple days here with practices and even the morning skate,” Zibanejad stated. “Clearly enjoying with quite a lot of the fellows via the nationwide group or under-18s or under-20s and clearly enjoying towards them, however I believe you get a distinct really feel for the fellows that you just’re enjoying towards every single day that you know the way good they’re.
“Just in terms of seeing that for 40 minutes on the ice in practice and seeing how they catch passes, how they make plays. It’s just all impressive and honestly, it’s a lot of fun.”
