Mats Zuccarello’s message on Mika Zibanejad’s 1,000th game

On Monday, Mika Zibanejad played his 1,000th NHL game. For the occasion, the Rangers showed a tribute video featuring kind words from people around the league. Among them was Zibanejad’s former teammate Mats Zuccarello, who shared some hilarious remarks.

The New York Rangers celebrated Zibanejad’s milestone during Monday’s game. Zibanejad was drafted sixth overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2011.

Mika Zibanejad’s 1,000th game

In 2016, Zibanejad was traded to the Rangers in exchange for Derick Brassard. Since the trade, he has become a cornerstone of the franchise and is currently the team’s longest-tenured player. Zibanejad also holds the record for most power-play goals in Rangers history and is tied with Bill Cook for the most hat tricks in franchise history.

Loss to the Senators

Despite the celebration against the team that drafted him, the Rangers lost 2–1. They also tied a franchise record for the fewest shots on goal in a game, finishing with just nine shots. The last time that happened was in December 1955 against the Detroit Red Wings.
Still, fans were able to enjoy Zibanejad’s milestone ceremony. The Rangers played a tribute video featuring messages from former teammates and friends, including Zuccarello. The two were teammates for three seasons before Zuccarello was traded to the Dallas Stars, a move that eventually led him to the Minnesota Wild. In the video, Zuccarello shared some humorous words for his former teammate and close friend.

Mats Zuccarello’s hilarious words

“Hey, what’s up Mika? I would like to congratulate you and your whole family. A thousand games is pretty special. Hope you haven’t forgotten who took you under his wing and brought you up in this league and taught you everything you know today. I hope you don’t forget that. Huge achievement!” Zuccarello said in the clip.
Fans loved the lighthearted chirp.
“Zuccy is so funny,” one fan wrote on X.
“Zuccs, you demon,” another fan wrote.
You can watch the video below.