Mika Zibanejad’s struggles this season have not only drawn criticism from fans but also pointed commentary from New York Post columnist Larry Brooks, who believes the 31-year-old forward’s sensitivity is getting in the way, not only his personal success but potentially being a main reason the playoffs are in question for the New York Rangers. With the Rangers battling for a postseason spot and strugglingly mightily of late, Zibanejad’s propensity to get in his own head has come under scrutiny.
Brooks, speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, didn’t hold back. “I think he’s very sensitive — way too sensitive to what other people are saying about him,” Brooks said. “It gets in his head, and it spirals.”
This season, Zibanejad has 21 points in 28 games, but his minus-14 rating stands out as an issue. Brooks suggested that the Rangers have historically asked Zibanejad to take on roles that don’t suit his game, especially in high-stakes, physical playoff matchups. Brooks suggested that Zibanejad has failed to meet expectations.
“The Rangers have always asked Mika to do things in the playoffs that he’s not capable of doing,” Brooks noted, advocating for the addition of a physical third-line center to alleviate pressure on Zibanejad. In other words, if the Rangers can’t get Zibanejad to take on the role they need him to, they’ll have to find someone who will.
Brooks believes Zibanejad needs to reevaluate his offseason training to regain the dominant form he displayed two years ago. “His performance is not acceptable. The Rangers will not thrive, the Rangers may not make the playoffs, if he has a season like this,” Brooks emphasized.
Can the Rangers Keep Zibanejad and Be Successful?
This is not to say Zibanejad isn’t a useful player. He responded to some of the heat he’s been taking during a game in Buffalo on Wednesday night. His power-play goal helped the Rangers secure a 3-2 win over the Sabres, snapping a two-game skid. “That’s what we talked about before the game, just one win. That’s all we care about,” Zibanejad said after the game.
With the Rangers slipping out of a playoff position, Zibanejad’s ability to overcome his sensitivity and elevate his game could determine their postseason fate. And, if the Rangers miss the playoffs, it will be intriguing to see how the organization views Zibanjad and his long-term future there.
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