# Mika Zibanejad is playing the hits — and Rangers opponents are feeling it

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mika-zibanejad-is-playing-the-hits-and-rangers-opponents-are-feeling-it/
- Published: 2026-11-10T11:20:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T12:41:52+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/10/sports/rangers-mika-zibanejad-is-hitting-like-he-used-to/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Zibanejad’s physical forecheck helped create an early Rangers goal.
- He assisted Gabe Perreault in the win over Seattle.
- The 16-year veteran is adding more physicality to his game.

## Summary

Mika Zibanejad’s increased physicality has become a feature of his strong start to the season with the New York Rangers. A forecheck against Seattle helped force a turnover and set up an early goal, showing how his work without the puck is contributing to the team’s attack.

In Saturday’s win over the Kraken, Zibanejad pressured defenceman Ryker Evans and disrupted his stick, prompting a long pass across the zone that Gabe Perreault recovered. After two passes and a rebound, Zibanejad assisted Perreault’s goal, scored 95 seconds into the game. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan has also noted the 16-year veteran is playing with more physicality.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.