New York Rangers search for next Captain continues with or without playoffs
By Steve Sanin
Mika Zibanejad: Consistency Is Key
Since he arrived in New York, Mika Zibanejad has been nothing short of amazing. He started his tenure in Blue by elevating his game. Solidifying himself not only, as the New York Rangers top center, but also as a premier center in the NHL.
In just four seasons on Broadway, he set new career highs in goals and assists. Zibanejad has resurrected the Blueshirts top power-play unit with his excellent production and chemistry. All done while jumping headfirst into a leadership role on this team as an Alternate Captain.
His value to the organization is hard to underestimate at this point. It is all even more incredible when you consider the fact that he is only 26-years-old and just entering the prime of his career.
In my opinion, his case for the captaincy lies strongly in his ability to perform and produce at a high-level night in and night out. ZBad consistently brings his A+ game to the rink and finds ways to perform in the clutch, when it means the most for his team. For example, his five-goal game-winning outing on March 4 against the Capitals, while in the middle of a razor-thin playoff race.
That kind of performance cant be scripted, but feel free to pen number 93 down for a regular spot on the score sheet and as a rock-solid voice in the locker room. It is not hard to envision the Rangers continuing their climb upward if they decide to install Mika Zibanejad at the helm for the foreseeable future.