"There was a moment at the end of the New York Rangers victory in the Winter Classic that opened my eyes. Mika Zibanejad had just deposited his third goal of the game, completing the first hat trick in Winter Classic history. Of course I cheered, but the first words that came out of my mouth were "about time, man Zibanejad needed that.""
"When talking about Mika Zibanejad, we're talking about a strong playoff performer. He scored a playoff overtime goal, a late game-tying goal in a Game Seven, and he has consistently stepped up when it's mattered most. This is a player who had a five goal game that included an overtime winner. Simply put, Mika Zibanejad has shown up since the day he became a Ranger."
Mika Zibanejad scored a hat trick in the Winter Classic, marking the first hat trick in that game's history and prompting renewed appreciation. Longtime fandom has shifted from confident expectation to hopeful wishing as Zibanejad ages and production declines. Zibanejad has delivered high-leverage playoff performances including an overtime playoff goal, a late tying goal in a Game Seven, and a five-goal game with an overtime winner. Despite evident efforts to slow physical decline, a poor recent season and broader team struggles led some fans to turn on him, and the criticism appeared to affect his demeanor.
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