Mika Zibanejad's Most Memorable Moments as an Ottawa Senator

One of the Senators' beloved Swedes is on his way out. Mika Zibanejad was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for Derick Brassard yesterday. We take a look at the best moments from Zibanejad's time in the nation's capital.

It's been less than 24 hours since news broke of a trade between the Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers including Mika Zibanejad, and for many, the grieving process begun right away. Zibanejad has been one of the team's fan favourites ever since he was drafted sixth overall in 2011.

From his numerous hairstyles to the Jussi Jokinen-esque presence he brought in the shootout, and from his not-so-secret life as a DJ to the pure exuberance he showed after scoring a goal; Sens fans held a special place in their hearts for the 23-year-old.

Before he puts on a Rangers uniform at his first press conference in New York, let's take a look back at the most memorable moments from his time as an Ottawa Senator.

Fastest Three Goals in Senators History

In just 2 minutes and 35 seconds, Zibanejad rewrote the franchise history books this season when he scored the fastest ever three goals by a Senator.

Ottawa were down 4-2 to the Calgary Flames midway through the third period of an important game in their push for the playoffs (albeit unsuccessful push) when Zibanejad singlehandedly completed the quick comeback.

The native of Stockholm, Sweden, finished his career in Ottawa with more hat tricks than Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman and Erik Karlsson combined (zero).

Playoff "Kick" Goal Against Montreal

The most famous, and infamous, goal of his career so far, Zibanejad was deemed a hero to Sens fans and a villain to Habs fans when he deflected a goal in off his foot past Carey price in the 2013 playoffs.

Now, this all would've been glazed over if the Canadiens were able to keep their lead and tie the series, but Zibanejad's marker began the comeback that would ultimately give the Senators a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven.

Kudos to Bob Cole for jinxing the Habs seconds before the tally as he noted "next thing they get a goal, and wow, are you in for it."

Always knew you were a Sens fan at heart, Bob.

First Career NHL Goal

Though Zibanejad went nine games without scoring in his first NHL season, he wasted no time getting the monkey off his back the next year. Just two games into the shortened 2012-13 campaign, he wired a slap shot over Peter Budaj's right shoulder.

Sure, he got an extremely lucky bounce, ricocheting off Alexei Emelin's shin pad, then off the ice and in the net, but at least he'll be telling the truth when he's asked about his first NHL goal.

"Bar down."

World Junior Championship Golden Goal

Though he didn't make the Olympic roster in 2014 and won't be representing his country at the World Cup of Hockey in September, Zibanejad's name will be forever engraved in Swedish hockey history.

While the Canadians were eliminated in the semi-finals, Sens fans still had something to cheer for when Sweden reached the gold medal game. And with 10 minutes left in overtime, deadlocked at zero, Zibanejad lifted the Swedes over the Russians with the golden goal.

So long, Mika. From all of us at Silver Seven, good luck in New York.

What's your favourite Mika moment?

Hat trick against Calgary116
Playoff "kick" goal against Montreal89
First career NHL goal4
WJC golden goal83
Other - I'll explain in the comments1

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