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Mike Sullivan sparks serious controversy while explaining why Mika Zibanejad is being benched

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Hunter Bowman
December 15, 2025 (2:06 PM)

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Madison Square Garden buzzed with controversy Monday as Mike Sullivan addressed why Mika Zibanejad was benched against the Anaheim Ducks.

Sullivan confirmed Zibanejad missed a team meeting earlier in the day and would not dress, immediately igniting debate around accountability, context, and timing. The decision came less than 24 hours after power-play tweaks already placed Zibanejad under a brighter spotlight.

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

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While firm on the consequence, Sullivan added nuance. He acknowledged that New York City logistics contributed to Zibanejad's lateness, a detail that complicated the narrative and split opinions across the fanbase.

Zibanejad, 32, remains one of the Rangers' pillars, carrying an $8.5 million cap hit and heavy responsibility down the middle. Scratching a player of that stature, who currently has 25 points this season, especially against a familiar opponent, is never a quiet move.

Sullivan emphasized that Zibanejad understood the rules and felt terrible about missing the meeting, stressing honesty and ownership rather than defiance or disconnect.

Mike Sullivan sparks controversy while explaining why Mika Zibanejad is benched

Sullivan's explanation walked that tightrope. He didn't excuse the miss, but he didn't villainize the player either. That balance is hard to strike, especially in a market that magnifies every word.

«there are logistical challenges the city presents» that caused Zibanejad's lateness, but added, «Mika understands the importance of the rules that we all expect of one another.»

«He feels terribly. The one thing about Mika is he's an honest person. He's a great human being and he takes responsibility for it.»

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Here's how fans reacted to the explanation:

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This won't define Mika Zibanejad's season, and it likely won't define Sullivan's tenure either. But it will be remembered as a moment where leadership chose clarity over comfort.

Previously on NY Hockey Insider

Benched: Mike Sullivan confirms superstar forward will be scratched from the New York Rangers lineup

New York Rangers appear to be making power-play changes ahead of their game against the Ducks

Elliotte Friedman reveals major development surrounding J.T. Miller making Team USA's 2026 Olympic roster

POLL
DECEMBRE 15 \| 134 ANSWERS Mike Sullivan sparks serious controversy while explaining why Mika Zibanejad is being benched Did Mike Sullivan handle the Mika Zibanejad situation correctly?
Yes	74	55.2 %
No	42	31.3 %
Mixed	11	8.2 %
Overblown	7	5.2 %
List of polls

Mike Sullivan sparks serious controversy while explaining why Mika Zibanejad is being benched

Madison Square Garden buzzed with controversy Monday as Mike Sullivan addressed why Mika Zibanejad was benched against the Anaheim Ducks.

Mike Sullivan sparks controversy while explaining why Mika Zibanejad is benched

Did Mike Sullivan handle the Mika Zibanejad situation correctly?