Two-thirds of the way through a rocky season, these six Rangers were headed to the sport’s biggest stage and were going to come back refreshed and buoyed by playing alongside their countries’ best. Or that was how it was supposed to look.

Playing well  for Sweden in the 4 Nations tournament has given the forward a boost after elevating his play at the start of 2025

At the time of the break, Mika Zibanejad had just started to turn around his season. His strong play continued with Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off — in which he centered their top line and

Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz (17) falls while battling for the puck with New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad (93) during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena.

Scores in return to action

Zibanejad (illness) is expected to play in Saturday's matchup versus Buffalo, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post. Zibanejad participated in Friday's practice after missing Sweden's 2-1 win over the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Mika Zibanejad for fantasy hockey. New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (illness) will play on Saturday

It also whetted his appetite for more best-on-best hockey. Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen and Jani Hakanpää all missed the 4 Nations to injury, so competition for the Finnish Olympic roster will be more fierce. Vaakanainen acquitted himself well enough to at least be on the bubble, though.

He enters the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off playing his best hockey of the year. If the Rangers are to climb into playoff position, it’s a needed development.

Zibanejad, for the second day running, spent most of his session with reporters looking relaxed and content. Even as his game has picked up recently with the Rangers, it’s a far cry from the demeanor he’s had for most of the year with the Blueshirts.

Zibanejad (illness) is expected to play in Saturday's matchup versus Buffalo, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post.

After winning the Presidents’ Trophy less than a calendar year ago, the New York Rangers find themselves on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Considering their underwhelming performance this season with an aging forward core,