Here's why the Mika Zibanejad criticism is unjustified.
The Maven hereby declares this: "Don't Dump On Mika Zibanejad Week." Maybe even make it the month or even season. That all depends.
What do you Mika Maulers want from the poor – well not as poor as Shesterkin – guy? The Connor McDavid Trophy for losing three in a row?
At 31, Mika is a senior – like me – and he deserves respect. (Or something remotely like it.)
Okay, if not respect, how about understanding. For instance don't blame the Magical Z for the Rangers not winning The Cup. He wasn't outgoaled by that other senior, Bobrovsky.
Don't forget that last season, Zibanejad averaged almost a point a game (26-46-72) and played sturdy-sturdy-sturdy, missing only a single match. (That's more than rugged Rempe or Broz or Ace Adam, alias Edstrom, can claim.)
And with Mika's only 30 penalty minutes, why The Sweet Swede almost was in the Lady Byng Trophy race. Hey, he even could win it this semester.
So, I say give the poor – okay, he's not so poor – guy a break.
If you forget about Vinnie Trocheck and Fiery Fil Chytil, Marvelous Mika is the best center we've got. (And don't start in with me about Slingin' Sam Carrick. His day will come.)
Despite what the late, great Yogi Berra said about it "getting late early," it's not late but it is very, very early.
The Maven's Mike Bandwagon added members last night. As my onlooking pal, Remy Mastey, noted: "Mika got a nice assist finding Chris Kreider for a power play goal and added an empty-netter." The Maven says STAY ON THE MIKA BANDWAGON – at least until playoff time.
(Secret Memo From Maven To Miko: Between Me and You, a hat trick against the Red Wings in Detroit Thursday night wouldn't hurt.)
And let us all of The Faithful, remember the new chant: PRESIDENTS' TROPHY – OR BUST!