New York Rangers News

Quick is the first NHL goalie to record three straight shutouts since Columbus’ Steve Mason in Dec. 2008.

Quick is an elite starting goalie that was had at a discounted rate. As we pointed out in the preseason "His 4×5 GAA — goals against while shorthanded — was the second lowest among starting goaltenders (only Pekka Rinne was higher) with at least 60 games player." We are witnessing a very special goalie play at an elite level.

Jonathan Quick
“I’m not sure if (Zibanejad making the team) is a done deal at this point,” MacLean said. “We still have, counting tonight, 10 games we can still evaluate him, but it certainly appears, with the injuries to Peter Regin and Jesse Winchester, that the door is open for him to walk into at this point in time.”

Zibanejad is probably too good for any junior club at this point but could be sent to the AHL as a player drafted in Europe. Expect at least a nine-game tryout.

Mika Zibanejad
Meanwhile, Zibanejad is doing everything he can to start the season in the NHL. He scored a nifty goal in tight against the Winnipeg Jets Monday and roofed a one-timer against the Bruins in overtime last week.

Zibanejad could play in the NHL, the question is whether he has earned a spot. Last season he only played 26 games professionally, scoring five goals and nine points with Djurgardens IF Stockholm. Look for him to continue competing with Peter Regin and Stefan Da Costa.

Mika Zibanejad
The Ducks have made the following roster moves. Assigned to Syracuse (American Hockey League): Nick Bonino – Center, Mat Clark - Defenseman, Nicolas Deschamps – Left Wing, Peter Holland – Center, Kyle Palmieri – Right Wing, Dan Sexton – Right Wing, Sean Zimmerman - Defenseman

No immediate fantasy hockey value while playing in the AHL.

Nick Bonino
Finally, Mika Zibanejad’s battle for the 2nd line centre position certainly took a turn for the better with last night’s OT winner.

Sounds like Zibanejad could beat out Peter Regin and Stephane Da Costa for the second-line role. In 26 games for Djurgardens IF Stockholm of the SEL, Zibanejad scored five goals and nine points. He most likely sticks with the big club.

Mika Zibanejad
He said that Quick would “start the season” as the No. 1 goalie. Murray added yet another wrinkle today when, for the first time, he said he would not map out a strict schedule for Quick and Jonathan Bernier, as he did at the start of last season, and would lean toward playing the hot hand in goal. In other words, Quick is the No. 1 goalie on Oct. 1, but check back on Nov. 1.

If you take Quick in the early rounds, remember to draft his counterpart, Jonathan Bernier, as a handcuff. Bernier still could be the Kings long-term plan in net as he possesses a higher ceiling.

Jonathan Quick
The young center confessed to having stars in his eyes while playing alongside one of his idols, Daniel Alfredsson. Zibanejad skated on the same line as the captain and Milan Michalek for both the practice and scrimmage.

The two wingers were slated to flank star center Jason Spezza so don't expect Zibanejad to earn the top line role right now. However, this audition proves that the Sens are interested in their 2011 top pick playing this season.

Mika Zibanejad