Rangers Roundup: Mika Zibanejad NHL 1st Star, Ryan Lindgren expected Tuesday, and more

NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers Mika Zibanejad
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Mika Zibanejad had quite a week for the New York Rangers by scoring five goals and adding four assists for nine points in four games.

On Monday, the NHL announced the Rangers first line center as it’s First Star of the Week for March 13 – 19.

Per the NHL:

Zibanejad registered multiple points in all four of his outings to lead the NHL with 5-4—9 and propel the Rangers (41-19-10, 92 points) to a perfect week as they extended their point streak to seven contests dating to March 9 (6-0-1). He scored twice, his team-leading ninth multi-goal performance of the season, in a 5-3 victory against the Washington Capitals March 14. Zibanejad then compiled 2-3—5 in consecutive wins versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, posting 1-1—2 in a 4-2 triumph March 16 and 1-2—3 (including his third straight game-opening goal as well as his team-best fifth game-winning goal of 2022‑23) in a 6-0 victory March 18. He finished the week 1-1—2 for his fourth consecutive multi-point effort, a first in his career (755 GP), in a 7-0 triumph against the Nashville Predators March 19.

Zibanejad, 29, has registered 77 points on the strength of 37 goals and 40 assists through 70 games this season. He’s currently in the first year of an eight-year deal signed on October 10, 2021. The AAV on the contract is for $8.5 million with a full no-move clause up until 7 days prior to the NHL trade deadline in 2029-30. At that time it becomes a 21 team no-trade list.

All contract info via CapFriendly.

Ryan Lindgren expected back Tuesday

mika zibanejad ryan lindgren chris krediter
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Defenseman Ryan Lindgren missed his 11th straight game on Sunday, in the team’s 7-0 romp over the Nashville Predators. However, he’s expected to be back in the lineup tomorrow when the Rangers host the Carolina Hurricanes.

Lindgren, 25, has 17 points in 56 games this season and was injured on a questionable hit by the Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie on February 25.

In the team’s 6-3 loss to Capitals, Oshie hit from behind dangerously close to the boards. Lindgren came up favoring his left shoulder and headed straight for the locker room during the first period.

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL ... More about Anthony Scultore

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