Mika Zibanejad felt the power of love on Saturday afternoon.
Before Sweden’s 4-3 overtime loss to Finland in their 4 Nations Face-off battle, the Rangers forward shared a tender moment with his wife, Irma Helin, and daughter, Ella, kissing the young one through the glass along the boards at Bell Centre.
And when the game started, things only got better for Zibanejad when he got the scoring started.
As Sweden pressured the Finnish defense on the forecheck, it created a turnover and bouncing puck landed right on the blade of Zibanejad’s stick in the slot.
He then wristed a low shot past the Finland netminder Kevin Lankinen for an early 1-0 lead for Team Sweden at the 8:35 mark.
The goal marked Zibanejad’s first goal of the four-team tournament in Montreal.
The 31-year-old said before the team’s opening loss to Canada that playing in the event gave him a sense of pride.
“You’re playing for your country,” Zibanejad said. “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.”
Team Sweden forward Mika Zibanejad (93) interacts with his family in the warmup period his team’s 4-3 overtime loss to Finland during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game on Feb. 15, 2025.
Team Sweden forward Mika Zibanejad (93) interacts with his family in the warmup period before the game against Team Finland during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.
Mika Zibanejad celebrates his first period goal with teammate Rickard Rakell (r) in Sweden’s overtime loss to Finland
It’s been an up-and-down year for Zibanejad — and the Rangers — as he has 11 goals and 26 assists in 55 games.
Maybe this goal will get him going.
