Mika Zibanejad voices true thoughts on Adam Pelech's hit from behind

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad was roughed up during Tuesday night's game against the in-state rival New York Islanders after defenseman Adam Pelech caught him with a questionable hit that left the former down on the ice and attended to by a team trainer. 

Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette spoke in no uncertain terms following the game, saying that he felt that it was a "vicious" hit and was furious that no penalty was called on the play. 

And now, Zibanejad is breaking his silence after the incident, saying that he was more shocked than anything else. 

“I was more shocked than anything, maybe, that all of a sudden he was there,’’ Zibanejad said at Thursday's morning skate. “I'm all right right now,’’ Zibanejad said. “I feel good… I’m lucky [given] the situation that happened, that it wasn't anything worse."

However, the Swedish forward hasn't been watching the replay on repeat of the incident. 

“Honestly, I haven't looked at it,’’ he said. “I've seen it one time, from one angle. I would hope that it's not intentional. But it's a bizarre situation. I look, [but] I don't see him. I don't know if he's stopping, or whatever he's doing. I don't see that. I kind of take a look, left and right, before, and then the play is in the other end.

“I'm not gonna sit here and make accusations or whatever,’’ he said. “I'm trying to focus on how I'm doing, how I'm feeling, and that's the only important thing right now.’’

Meanwhile, Zibanejad voiced his appreciation for Laviolette's postgame remarks in which he stuck up for his players. 

“He's showing that he's standing up for his players, defending his players, and that's always nice to have, when you feel like the guys on the coaching staff have your back,’’ he said. “I'm not gonna say no to that.’’

Recommended articles:

• Huge update on injured Ranger Mika Zibanejad.
• Peter Laviolette confirms the injury to Mika Zibanejad.
• Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad hurt in training camp.
• Rangers' Mika Zibanejad has found a new job
• Chris Kreider blames 1 player for the Rangers' loss in Game 3.