Exclusive | Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad hardly recognizable as brutal struggles become hard to ignore

Over the past few seasons, Mika Zibanejad has been one of the New York Rangers’ most consistent and high-impact players. The Swedish center has been the anchor of their offense, known for his deadly shot and exceptional two-way game. However, as the 2025 season progresses, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the brutal struggles that have plagued Zibanejad’s performance.

Once seen as the heart of the Rangers’ attack, Zibanejad has recently appeared as a shadow of the player that fans have come to know and love. What was once a dangerous and efficient offensive weapon now seems to be weighed down by mounting inconsistency and frustration. From missed scoring chances to struggles in the faceoff circle, Zibanejad’s struggles have been evident in multiple facets of his game.

While the Rangers have remained competitive in the standings, Zibanejad’s discrepancy in production and struggles to find his rhythm have been hard to ignore. So what has gone wrong for the Swedish center, and how have his struggles impacted both his personal performance and the team’s fortunes?

In this exclusive report, we’ll take a closer look at Mika Zibanejad’s current struggles, the factors contributing to his tough stretch, and what the Rangers might need to do moving forward to help him regain his elite form.

1. Mika Zibanejad’s Rise to Stardom with the Rangers

Before we delve into his current struggles, it’s important to understand just how critical Zibanejad has been for the Rangers’ success over the past few years. After being acquired from the Ottawa Senators in a trade in 2016, Zibanejad’s growth as a player was immediate. His powerful shot, combined with his playmaking ability, made him one of the top centers in the league.

Over the past several seasons, Zibanejad has averaged well over a point per game and was instrumental in the Rangers’ offense. His ability to produce in key moments, especially on the power play, helped elevate him to the status of one of the premier players in the NHL. Zibanejad’s combination of size, skill, and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a key cog in the Rangers’ push toward playoff contention.

In the 2021-22 season, Zibanejad set career highs in both goals and assists, finishing with 81 points. He was instrumental in New York’s deep playoff run, providing offense and leadership in the postseason. His name became synonymous with clutch performances, and it seemed that he was poised to be the Rangers’ long-term centerpiece.

However, as the 2025 season rolls on, that once-great offensive juggernaut has begun to look less like the Zibanejad fans have come to know and more like a shell of himself.

2. The Current Struggles: A Hard-Hitting Reality

Zibanejad’s struggles this season have been difficult to ignore, especially given the high expectations surrounding him. While there’s no single explanation for what’s going wrong, there are several factors that seem to be contributing to his downturn in performance.

A. Inconsistency in Offensive Production

One of the most glaring issues has been Zibanejad’s inability to consistently produce offense. The once-reliable scorer, who used to regularly find the back of the net with ease, has been held off the scoresheet in several games this season. While he’s always been known as a streaky player at times, his current cold streak has lasted longer than many anticipated.

Zibanejad’s goal-scoring numbers have dipped, and his shooting percentage has taken a noticeable hit. Over the past five seasons, Zibanejad has averaged roughly 30 goals per season, with several stretches of elite-level scoring. However, his shooting percentage has dropped significantly this year, and he’s been unable to capitalize on some of the prime scoring chances he’s had.

Additionally, his power-play production has declined, which is especially concerning given how often he was a key contributor on the man advantage in previous years. For a team that thrives on its power play, Zibanejad’s reduced effectiveness on the special teams unit is a troubling sign of his current struggles.

B. Faceoff Woes and Defensive Play

Another area where Zibanejad’s game has taken a hit is his performance in the faceoff circle. Traditionally a solid faceoff man, he has struggled to maintain his usual success this season, seeing a dip in his win percentage. This has put more pressure on his teammates, particularly the wingers who have had to battle harder for possession of the puck.

His performance in the defensive zone has also been less than stellar. Known for his well-rounded game and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, Zibanejad has looked a step slower in his own end. While he still remains responsible and committed to his defensive duties, the consistency he once had in shutting down opposition attacks has been absent at times.

The combination of struggles on both sides of the puck has led to Zibanejad being a less impactful player overall. He is still a threat on the ice, but it’s clear that something is off in his overall game.

C. Mental Frustration and Confidence Issues

It’s not uncommon for elite athletes to face periods of self-doubt when they go through extended slumps. For Zibanejad, the frustrations of missing scoring chances, losing faceoffs, and struggling to find his offensive touch may have taken a toll on his mental game. Confidence plays a huge role in hockey, and the lack of success on the ice has likely been affecting his ability to produce consistently.

Zibanejad’s usually calm and composed demeanor on the ice seems to have been replaced by a sense of frustration at times. Whether it’s frustration with his play or with the team’s performance as a whole, this mental aspect of his struggles is something that needs to be addressed moving forward. It’s clear that getting back to his usual self will require a change in mentality—one that allows him to push through the mental barriers and regain his confidence.

3. Factors Contributing to Zibanejad’s Slump

While Zibanejad’s individual struggles have been at the forefront, it’s important to recognize that there are several external factors that may be contributing to his rough patch in the 2025 season.

A. Line Combinations and Team Dynamics

Zibanejad’s effectiveness is closely tied to the chemistry he shares with his teammates. Historically, his success has often come in tandem with players like Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, with whom he’s developed strong on-ice chemistry. However, this season, the line combinations have been more fluid, and Zibanejad has not been able to consistently establish that same level of chemistry with his wingers.

The Rangers have been experimenting with different line configurations to find balance in the lineup, and Zibanejad has found himself paired with different players as coach Gerard Gallant tries to make adjustments. This lack of consistency in his linemates may have impacted Zibanejad’s production, as he’s been forced to adapt to new players with different styles.

B. Increased Defensive Pressure and League-wide Adjustments

As Zibanejad has become more well-known across the league, opposing teams have made a concerted effort to focus their defensive schemes on limiting his impact. With his ability to score from anywhere on the ice, Zibanejad is frequently shadowed by the opposition’s top defenders, and there’s been a noticeable uptick in physical play against him.

Opponents have become more adept at closing down Zibanejad’s shooting lanes and limiting his time and space, which makes it harder for him to be the offensive threat he once was. In addition, the increased physicality and emphasis on blocking shots has made it more difficult for him to unleash his signature wrister or make plays in the offensive zone.

C. Team Performance and the Pressure to Lead

As a veteran player on the Rangers, Zibanejad is often expected to step up and be the focal point of the team’s offense. However, with the team’s overall struggles in finding a consistent identity this season, Zibanejad has found himself under increased pressure to carry the load. When a team as talented as the Rangers is struggling to click, it can be a heavy burden for a player like Zibanejad to lead the charge offensively.

The team’s inconsistent performance on the power play, coupled with a lack of scoring depth at times, has meant that Zibanejad is under constant scrutiny. He is expected to produce in high-pressure situations, and when that doesn’t happen, the criticism starts to mount.

4. What’s Next for Zibanejad and the Rangers?

With the struggles continuing to pile up for Zibanejad, the question now becomes: What can the Rangers do to get their star player back on track?

A. Line Adjustments and a Return to Familiar Chemistry

The Rangers’ coaching staff may need to make some more permanent adjustments to Zibanejad’s line combinations. Getting him back with Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, with whom he has had great success in the past, could help restore some of the offensive chemistry that has been missing. Zibanejad has shown in the past that he thrives when he’s surrounded by players who can keep up with his skill level, so putting him back on a more familiar line might help restore his confidence and offensive production.

B. Focused Mental Reset

Zibanejad might benefit from a mental reset, which could involve taking a step back from the pressure of being the team’s offensive leader. Working with a sports psychologist or taking the time to focus on his mental game could help him break free from the cycle of frustration. A confident Zibanejad is a dangerous one, and finding that mental reset could be the key to unlocking his full potential.

C. A Renewed Focus on Defensive Responsibility

While the Rangers need Zibanejad to regain his offensive touch, his ability to contribute in the defensive zone is just as important. Working on becoming a more responsible and consistent player in all three zones could help restore his value to the team and take some of the pressure off his offensive performance.