Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck address team’s struggles after 5-1 loss to Devils (Source: Imagn)
Mika Zibanejad, the $68 million star of the New York Rangers, spoke about the team’s struggles after their 5-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils. The loss marked their sixth defeat in seven games, all in regulation.
During the post-game media conference, Mika Zibanejad shared his thoughts on what the team needs to do to improve. He stressed the importance of balancing desperation with a calm mindset.
“The will and the want to turn this around, I don’t think anyone of us would be here if we didn’t have the attitude,” Zibanejad said.”It still has to translate on the ice. Just got to be a balance of desperation, but also a cool head, too…It’s not the best of times right now, obviously losing a lot of games.
Zibanejad, who signed an eight-year contract worth $68 million in 2021, emphasized that the only way forward is through hard work.
“We still have to battle. We still have to work. We can’t do anything else, there’s no magic to it, we just have to keep working and find a way.”
#NYR Mika Zibanejad: "The will and the want to turn this around, I don't think anyone of us would be here if we didn't have the attitude, but it still has to translate on the ice. Just got to be a balance of desperation, but also a cool head, too…It's not the best of times,…
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) December 3, 2024
In the game against the New Jersey Devils, Mika Zibanejad contributed one assist, earning one point in total. He was active offensively, taking five shots and registering a power-play assist. Zibanejad spent an average of 21 minutes and 29 seconds on the ice. Despite his efforts, the Rangers couldn’t capitalize, extending their recent struggles with another loss.
Vincent Trocheck also addressed the team’s struggles, calling for players to step out of their comfort zones.
“Everyone in here has got to just play a little bit out of their comfort zone…. Guys that are usually playmakers and scoring roles got to chip it in, grind it out. Guys that aren’t usually hitting got to start hitting. We just got to play out of our comfort zones. We’ve got to dig our way out of this,” Trocheck said.
Trocheck: "Everyone in here has got to just play a little bit out of their comfort zone. Obviously, what do right now isn't working, so it's going to take something different. Guys that are usually playmakers and scoring roles got to chip it in, grind it out. Guys that aren't…
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) December 3, 2024
He urged teammates to adjust their playing styles and take on different roles if needed. The team remains focused on hard work and making changes to improve.
New York Rangers failed to generate offense against Devils
The New York Rangers lost 5-1 to the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden. They failed to answer the Devils’ offense as they dominated. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said,
“We gotta win hockey games. We’re a good hockey team. Right now, we’re not playing very good hockey. We need to be better and those are things that are in our control. Those answers are in the room. Those are the answers that we need to figure out as a group”
"We gotta win hockey games. We're a good hockey team. Right now, we're not playing very good hockey. We need to be better and those are things that are in our control. Those answers are in the room. Those are the answers that we need to figure out as a group"
– Peter Laviolette pic.twitter.com/6CU5XG4apz
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) December 3, 2024
Jesper Bratt scored the first goal beating Igor Shesterkin five-hole. Dawson Mercer made it 2-0 shooting from the right circle.
Dougie Hamilton then scored on a 5-on-3 power play in the second period.
Jack Hughes added a fourth goal at 12:38. Chris Kreider scored a power-play goal putting Rangers on the scoreboard, but Hughes scored again making the score 5-1.
