NY Rangers beat Washington in Stanley Cup – Mika Zibanejad goalscorer

NEW YORK. Last night, Mika Zibanejad’s playoffs began – for real.

He scored his first goal, and was responsible for a work of art to play, as the New York Rangers swept home also the second round against Washington.

– But we have only won our two home games and know that it will be very tough when we get to Washington, says the Swedish star center to Sportbladet after the 4-3 victory in ecstatic Madison Square Garden.

There was no fault in Mika Zibanejad’s effort in the opening game of the series against Washington on Sunday either, but in the much tougher return of the night he made a more conspicuous impression.

First, he splashed in his first goal of the year’s playoffs on a power play late in the first period to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead going into the first break.

Then, at the end of the second period, he orchestrated what must be the best shorthanded goal of the year.

It started with him completely sonic taking the puck from Alex Ovetchkin – bafflingly pale in both opening games. Then he initiated a stunning, nimble clap-clap sequence with Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller — sending the puck into the far post.

– It was a bit lucky on the goal, I think the puck touched the hand of a Washington defender and set up the goalkeeper. But I’ll take anything, as long as the puck goes in, says the 31-year-old Stockholmer when we meet him after the final whistle.

– At the goal in a numerical disadvantage, I first thought we had a two-on-one situation, but Kreider put the puck back and then I saw K’Andre trailing and he was responsible for a world-class finish. Lucky I didn’t miss that pass, then it could have gone bad.

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Erik Gustafsson was also responsible for two excellent performances and thus contributed to the highest degree to a 4-3 victory Rangers had to work much harder to salvage than the 4-1 defeat last Sunday.

– Yes, this was a tough match. There was a lot of back and forth. The Capitals were really on their toes right from the start, just like we expected. But we rode out the storm and it was really nice, continues Mika.

Thus, the Blueshirts from Manhattan have a 2-0 advantage before this weekend’s games in Washington, but rest assured: No one is charging anything in advance.

– We have won our home games, that’s all. Now it gets tougher. They are strong at home, we lost both games there in the regular season. It may not say much now, but we know it will be difficult, states Mika.

Injured Washington fullback Rasmus Sandin also did not play tonight’s game, but coach Spencer Carbery indicates there is a small chance he can make a comeback in Round 3 – Saturday night.

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