Zibanejad Returns from Olympic Experience
Mika Zibanejad was the first of the Rangers players to arrive back at the team’s practice facility after the Winter Olympics, while his teammates J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck were still immersed in the celebrations following their thrilling gold medal win against Canada, thanks to Jack Hughes’ overtime goal in Milan.
Zibanejad made a significant impact in the quarterfinals against Team USA, scoring a crucial goal that pushed Team Sweden into overtime. Prior to that, Quinn Hughes, Jack’s brother, had already knocked Sweden out in their opening game, marking the return of NHL players to the Olympics since the 2014 Sochi Games.
“It’s definitely a tough way to end,” Zibanejad reflected after practice in Tarrytown on Tuesday. “It was an exciting game for the fans, but, honestly, it’s a heartbreaking feeling. We tied it late and had a chance in overtime to win, so it wasn’t easy to take.”
Meanwhile, Zibanejad could only watch as Miller, the Rangers’ captain, and other teammates savored the victory. This win marked the first gold medal for an American player in men’s ice hockey since the iconic Miracle on Ice in 1980.
Miller has been trending on social media lately, having been spotted singing into a microphone and even crowd surfing during the celebration at a Miami nightclub on Monday night.
“I think he’s just enjoying himself, and honestly, I probably would have done the same,” Zibanejad commented. “I’m really happy for them; seeing their joy is great.”
A bit envious of his teammates, Zibanejad expressed, “I mean, I kind of wish I was part of that celebration. It’s tough to lose so closely and think of what could have been. But at the same time, I get it. Winning is an incredible experience.”
“The games were thrilling to watch and offered good exposure for hockey,” he noted.
As the Rangers prepared to resume their season against the Flyers at Madison Square Garden, Zibanejad acknowledged the team’s struggles, sitting with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. This comes after Artemi Panarin was traded to the Kings just before the break.
He also mentioned that he didn’t engage with other Olympic sports while in Italy, but he did catch a match between Juventus and Inter Milan with his wife on Valentine’s Day.
Despite the disappointment of not medaling, Zibanejad described his first Olympic experience as “a lot of fun” and an honor to represent his country. “It’s been over a decade since NHL players had this chance; I truly appreciate it. I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity like this,” he concluded. “The feelings might sting now, but I believe time will help me look back fondly.”
