The Rangers crushed Tampa in the first conference final.
Mika Zibanejad was a great victory organizer – and was properly praised by the rival after the match.
– He’s a damn player, says Tampa coach Jon Cooper.
The New York Rangers have been the big bang of the playoffs. The organization stood for a good basic series, but not many people thought it would be enough all the way to a conference final.
Incredible success
One who has really been a big reason for Rangers’ progress, and carried the team on his shoulders is the Swede Mika Zibanejad. The center has scored points during the playoffs, and during the night’s first conference final, Mika struck again.
The Swede started in the very best way and served his teammate Chris Kreider who opened the scoring. Mika Zibanjead then also ended up with the goal record when he put the nail in the coffin and set the final score 6-2 to Rangers.
After the match, the Swede’s match – and playoffs – have been really praised and someone who can not help but be impressed by Zibanejad is Tampa coach Jon Cooper.
Now hailed by the rival
– I have trained against Mika Zibanejad since Binghamton (Ottawa Senators’ grandfather team). I have seen his development, and he has become a damn hockey player, says Jon Cooper after the match.
The night’s scoring success for Mika Zibanejad also became a historic milestone. The Swede has accounted for 21 points in 15 playoff games – something no Rangers player has been noted for since Wayne Gretzky in 1997.
READ MORE: Mika Zibanejad’s new crazy success in the overtaking – is now the best since Wayne Gretzky (!)