Mika Zibanejad makes his feelings known about being taken off NY Rangers PP1

Mika Zibanejad is having his worst season as a New York Ranger. The Swedish center has just 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 35 games, along with a shocking -21 rating. Zibanejad has not been a negative in the plus-minus category since the 2018-19 season.

He has struggled mightily of late, currently in the midst of a seven-game pointless drought, recording just one point in his last nine games. Zibanejad's lack of production has been a major factor in the Rangers losing seven of those nine contests.

After Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Rangers are putting their foot down and letting him know his play has been unacceptable. Mika Zibanejad was taken off the No. 1 power play unit today at practice. For a player who's been a staple of the Rangers' No. 1 power-play for years, it's certainly a shock to the system.

Here is what Zibanejad had to say about being dropped to PP2.

"I don’t think there’s time for that right now," Zibanejad said (via Mollie Walker on X). "This has nothing to do with me personally or something that I’m going to make about myself. We’re not in a place in our season to feel sorry for yourself.

"It’s a different opportunity, it’s another opportunity for that unit with Laffy coming up — and deservedly so. Honestly, just for me, to help the unit that I’m playing on and we go from there."

The Rangers hope these changes spark a power play that ranks 23rd in the NHL.

Time is ticking on Mika Zibanejad and the Rangers this season

Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers need to turn their season around quickly. Having gone 4-13-0 in their last 17 games, the Rangers have dropped to last place in the Metropolitan division. They sit five points back of the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, with four other teams still in front of them.

It's been shocking to see such a poor stretch of hockey from the Rangers. After winning the Presidents' Trophy last season and making it to the Eastern Conference Finals, expectations for this season were Stanley Cup or bust. At this point, all Rangers fans can ask is for their team to show any sign of life.

The Rangers finish their road trip to the Sunshine State on Monday night against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.