Rangers Mika Zibanejad, after up-and-down season, in relaxed mode in 4 Nations Face-Off

MONTREAL — Mika Zibanejad’s season with the Rangers has not been up to par.But this is not the Rangers.“You’re playing for your country,” Zibanejad said Wednesday before Team Sweden lost 4-3 in overtime to Canada to open the 4 Nations Face-Off.“It’s a lot different, but I think it’s a lot of fun, too.

There’s a pride and there’s an honor that goes into wearing this jersey.Being able to play with these guys is a lot of fun and there’s a lot of excitement.

I’ve been looking forward to this day and it’s finally here.”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.Having never before represented Sweden in best-on-best competition, Zibanejad is suddenly in a different environment, where the slate is clean and where he can just go out and play.Yes, there are pressure and nerves — Tre Kroner is not here to be a punching bag for the USA or Canada, as it proved in fighting back from a 3-1 deficit to earn a point on Wednesday.

But like everybody else here, that is eclipsed for Zibanejad by the excitement of finally getting to represent his country on a stage like this.Sweden coach Sam Hallam started Zibanejad on his top line between Rickard Rakell and William Nylander, as much a show of faith as could be, and Zibanejad’s 20:01 of ice was more than every forward save Nylander.“Rakell and Mika played together in the Worlds a couple years ago and were really successful.Pretty good buddies outside the ice, too,” Hallam said.

“That plays in a bit.But mainly they’re three really good players.

Willy can skate with the puck and if he can get the puck to Mika or Rakey, we’re hopefully gonna get some goals there.”There is no weight of the Rangers’ season here, no Trade Memo or 3-10-0 December.For this tournament, Zibanejad can be fr...