Published 2025-12-20 22.48
NEW YORK. There are atomic bombs, there are hydrogen bombs – and there are Zibanejad bombs.
Thanks to one such – a majestic direct shot from the left wing – the New York Rangers managed to win Saturday’s Christmas matinee against Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden.
– I was initially disappointed that I didn’t get the shot higher, but it turned out well, says Mika when we meet him after the 5-4 victory.
It was when they were chasing an equalizer in a power play in the final minutes that the Rangers managed to activate their most potent weapon system.
Young defenseman Scott Morrow got the puck out to Mika Zibanejad far out and then what usually happens like that happened.
The 32-year-old center from Bagarmossen took a bet like the worst windmill, bombed away a perfect direct shot and a tenth of a second later the puck sat between the legs of Swedish Flyers keeper Samuel Ersson.
– Yes, it turned out well in the end, says Mika when we meet him afterwards.
– I was initially disappointed that I didn’t get the shot higher, but as I said, it went between his legs. I think even he thought the puck would go higher. It was very nice to see it go in. Important points are at stake all the time right now.
Quick flight to Nashville
In the end, the Rangers won on penalties – despite managing the rare feat of going down by two in extra time – and now have a solid hold on the teams above the play-off line.
– I think we did well to hang in there and work our way back, despite some disgruntled voices here and there during the match, smiles Mika.
Who, along with his teammates, immediately rushes out to a bus for transportation to the airport and a quick flight to Nashville. There they play a new match, against the Predators, as early as Monday night.
– The schedule is very tight right now, but it’s the same for everyone and now it was still matinee so we get there in good time and have time to rest, notes the Zibanejad bombshell, also responsible for an assist in the drama at the Garden.
The Detroit Red Wings are heading for their best Christmas performance in over a decade.
They managed to win sin Saturday matinee against tough Capitals in Washington with 5-2.
In doing so, they cement their position as top of the table in the Atlantic division – a position they haven’t even smelled since the days of Henrik Zetterberg.
Elmer Söderblom scored a goal against the Caps, while Simon Edvinsson responded for two assists and Albert Johansson for one. Rasmus Sandin also had an assist – for the home team.
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