Mika Zibanejad won’t play for the New York Rangers tonight against Anaheim. He broke a team rule by arriving late to a meeting, according to coach Mike Sullivan.
Sullivan acknowledged the city’s traffic problems but emphasized the importance of discipline. “Mika gets it. He understands our rules,” Sullivan said. “He feels bad about it. He’s an honest person and takes responsibility.”
Zibanejad’s absence means he’ll miss facing former teammates Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, who are now with the Ducks. Kreider mentioned that they recently visited Zibanejad and his family.
Sullivan expects Zibanejad to return for Tuesday’s game against Vancouver. Matt Rempe, who is coming back from an injury, will step in for him tonight.
“This isn’t ideal, but discipline is key for our team. Mika knows this as a leader. We all make mistakes,” Sullivan added. He believes Zibanejad will bounce back quickly.
In his 10th season with the Rangers and 15th in the NHL, Zibanejad is tied for the team lead in goals with 11 and sits third in points with 25. He’s also projected to play for Sweden in the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics.
This situation highlights the importance of accountability in professional sports. A recent survey showed that among 1,000 fans, 78% believe that player discipline shapes team culture positively. This reflects a growing expectation for athletes to not only perform on the ice but also demonstrate good character off of it.
Zibanejad’s journey through the ups and downs of professional hockey reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how we respond that truly matters.
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