Mika Zibanejad Has Done A 180° With Disappointing Season

Mika Zibanejad started the season with expectations that he could be this team’s number two centre. However, after disappointing start many were calling Zibanejad to be sent down to Binghamton, myself included.

Now, as it appears Ottawa doesn’t have a solidified top line, but rather two consistent “top” scoring lines .. Mika Zibanejad has found success when partnered with Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman as frequent linemates.

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About that top 6…

"Mike Hoffman – Mika Zibanejad – Bobby RyanMilan Michalek – Kyle Turris – Mark Stone"

Those are two very solid lines. Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone have been two nice surprises as each take up the #3 and #4 spots in the league’s rookie scoring record.

Milan Michalek is playing much better, and Mika Zibanejad appears to be up and down, but is putting up career numbers as a 21-year-old.

CONSISTENCY

That’s the key for Zibanejad.. consistency.

Game logs are something I often check out when analyzing and formulating opinions on players, and looking into Zibanejad’s logs are very telling.

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Zibanejad has had a few rough stretches this season. The one at the start of the season is the most discussed, as early expectations tend to put the magnifying glass over a struggling player. This situation was no different.

0 points through 8 games and with Zibanejad looking awfully slow and out of the game while playing top minutes was concerning.

However, with a December to remember, Mika recorded 12 points through 12 games. Despite little bumps in the road since then, it’s been a nice season for Mika as he’s already reached his career highs in points and goals as he it set for a near 50 point performance.

CEILING

Zibanejad should finish the season with nearly 200 games under his belt as a 21-year-old. He’s been the Senators most important prospect since the days of Jason Spezza and should prove his true worth relatively soon.

Consistency out of training camp will be key for Mika, as you’d have to think the organization keeps close tabs on his summer in hopes of a big 15-16 campaign. Number 93 has proven to be a slow-starter, even back to the 13-14 season where he was cut out of training camp and started the season in Binghamton.

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As for his ceiling…

You’d have to think it’s relatively high. Zibanejad has size, speed, and finish. All the tools are certainly there, and considering he’s still only 21, look for Zibanejad to be an intriguing player for years to come.

Next: Re-Signing Erik Condra Is a Must For The Ottawa Senators