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Mike Sullivan snaps while refusing to elaborate further on his decision to scratch Mika Zibanejad

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Hunter Bowman
December 16, 2025 (10:53)

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New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan refuses to answer any further questions regarding Mika Zibanejad being scratched from the lineup on Monday, something that has fans questioning more.

Ahead of the Rangers game, Sullivan confirmed Zibanejad would be scratched for missing a team meeting, a decision that already stirred debate across the fanbase. The follow-up question was inevitable, whether the miss was a one-time issue or something that had happened before.

Mika Zibanejad won't play tonight, according to Sullivan. He missed a team meeting and this is the consequence. #NYR

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Sullivan didn't bite. His response was sharp, measured, and clearly intentional. He declined to provide specifics, stressing belief in a process and the importance of internal standards without expanding further.

That tone stood out. Coaches often deflect, but Sullivan sounded irritated by the implication behind the question. In New York, that kind of edge rarely goes unnoticed.

Asked Mike Sullivan if Mika Zibanejad's missed team meeting was a one-time thing or if it happened before and the #NYR coach declined to answer:

«Listen, I'm not going to get into l specifics on why we make decisions the way we made them, OK? We believe strongly in a process that we've put in place here for our team, and it's as simple as that.»

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Mike Sullivan stands his ground following controversial decision

Sullivan's stance suggested this was less about Zibanejad and more about precedent. Whether it happened once or more than once wasn't the point. The rule existed, and it was enforced.

On the ice, the Rangers had to adjust without one of their top centers, reshuffling lines and special teams, something that resulted in a 4-1 loss to the Ducks. Off the ice, the message landed louder than any lineup change.

This wasn't a meltdown or a power struggle. It was a coach choosing silence over detail and structure over explanation.

Previously on NY Hockey Insider

Ex-Rangers captain Jacob Trouba takes a moment to issue a statement to fans despite unpleasant departure

Matt Rempe reveals the gruesome truth behind his upper-body injury which required surgery

New York Rangers official lineups against the Ducks: Interesting changes have been made with Zibanejad out

POLL
DECEMBRE 16 \| 150 ANSWERS Mike Sullivan snaps while refusing to elaborate further on his decision to scratch Mika Zibanejad Did Mike Sullivan handle the Zibanejad questions the right way?
Yes	88	58.7 %
No	43	28.7 %
Too defensive	9	6 %
Unsure	10	6.7 %
List of polls

Mike Sullivan snaps while refusing to elaborate further on his decision to scratch Mika Zibanejad

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan refuses to answer any further questions regarding Mika Zibanejad being scratched from the lineup on Monday, something that has fans questioning more.

Mike Sullivan stands his ground following controversial decision

Did Mike Sullivan handle the Zibanejad questions the right way?