Mika Zibanejad felt the facility of affection on Saturday afternoon.
Earlier than Sweden’s 4 Nations Face-off battle with Finland, the Rangers ahead shared a young second along with his spouse, Irma Helin, and daughter, Ella, kissing the younger one by means of the glass alongside the boards at Bell Centre.
And when the sport began, issues solely bought higher for Zibanejad when he bought the scoring began.
As Sweden pressured the Finnish protection on the forecheck, it created a turnover and bouncing puck landed proper on the blade of Zibanejad’s stick within the slot.
He then wristed a low shot previous the Finland netminder Kevin Lankinen for an early 1-0 lead for Crew Sweden on the 8:35 mark.
The objective marked Zibanejad’s first objective of the four-team event in Montreal.
The 31-year-old mentioned earlier than the crew’s opening loss to Canada that enjoying within the occasion gave him a way of delight.
“You’re playing for your country,” Zibanejad mentioned. “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.”
It’s been an up-and-down yr for Zibanejad — and the Rangers — as he has 11 objectives and 26 assists in 55 video games.
Possibly this objective will get him going.
