New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad issues a shocking statement regarding his linemates on team Sweden for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed that Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad will play on Team Sweden's first like, alongside Maple Leafs star Willam Nylander and Penguins Richard Rakell.
SWEDEN
Nylander-Zibanejad-Rakell
Kempe-Pettersson-Forsberg
Bratt-Eriksson Ek-Raymond
Nyquist-Lindholm-Arvidsson
Carlsson
Hedman-Brodin
Ekholm-Karlsson
Dahlin-Andersson
Forsling is sick today and not practising
Nylander-Zibanejad-Rakell
Kempe-Pettersson-Forsberg
Bratt-Eriksson Ek-Raymond
Nyquist-Lindholm-Arvidsson
Carlsson
Hedman-Brodin
Ekholm-Karlsson
Dahlin-Andersson
Forsling is sick today and not practising
At Team Sweden's first practice, Mika Zibanejad's role on the first line was instantly made clear as he was paired with Nylander, who is one of the best Swedish forwards.
However, here's what Mika Zibanejad had to say about William Nylander:
"I'm not really surprised how good he is, but it's just in terms of his, I think, just the puck-handling. And the way he sees the ice, obviously his all-around game, really," Zibanejad said of Nylander. "The way he's been for the past couple of years has been awesome to see. Maybe not as much fun to play against, but I get a chance to play with him now, so I'm excited."
Between Zibanejad, Nylander and Rakell, there's already a feeling of comfortability from the moment they stepped on the ice together, which is a good sign considering they face Team Canada tonight at 8:00PM
Just this season with the Rangers, Mika Zibanejad has been struggling a bit but has recently changed things around. While doing so he has recorded 11 goals, 26 assists for a total of 37 points in 55 games while averaging 18:22 minutes on ice time.
