Zlatan Ibrahimovic takes in NHL clash as he is chosen to drop the ceremonial first puck for LA Kings and New York Islanders clash

  • The LA Kings lost 7-2 to the New York Islanders in the NHL on Thursday night
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on hand to kick-start the game by dropping the first puck
  • The LA Galaxy striker was given a great reception by fans at the STAPLES Center

Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked to be enjoying himself as the Swedish striker dropped the ceremonial first puck ahead of the LA Kings' NHL clash with the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

The LA Galaxy star received a big cheer as he helped get the game underway at the STAPLES Center before kicking a football into the crowd.

The 37-year-old took to his Instagram story to share a clip of his role in the night's proceedings, writing: 'we can do whatever we want'.


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Zlatan Ibrahimovic drops the puck between Drew Doughty (L)and Anders Lee (R)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic drops the puck between Drew Doughty (L)and Anders Lee (R)

LA Galaxy star thanked fans for the reception after the game
The 37-year-old walked down a carpet laid on top of the ice

The LA Galaxy star took to Instagram to thank the fans and team after helping start the game

Ibrahimovic could also be seen waving to fans in the crowd before greeting Kings captain Drew Doughty and sharing a joke with mascot Bailey.

The former Manchester United striker didn't bring the home side much luck, however, as they lost the game 7-2 to fall to seventh in the eight-team Pacific Division.    

Ibrahimovic has been linked with a short-term return to Old Trafford in January but the Swede has indicated that he would not be interested in such a move.

With his body in need of a rest after a long and successful career, his appetite to return to the Premier League is not too strong. 

The 37-year-old was given a heroes welcome as he made his way on to the ice rink

The 37-year-old was given a heroes welcome as he made his way on to the ice rink

Ibrahimovic shared plenty of jokes with the LA Kings' entertaining mascot Bailey 

Ibrahimovic shared plenty of jokes with the LA Kings' entertaining mascot Bailey 

'I think I'm in a situation where I need to have a good balance between work and rest,' Ibrahimovic told Sky Sports.

'Because I came back from injury and because of my age and the load I'm putting in during training.

'It's not what I have been thinking about because we still have two games, hopefully we make the play-offs.

'Any more on that I don't know what to say because I haven't focused on that, I haven't put any thought on it.' 

The former Manchester United striker proceeded to kick a football into the stands
One lucky fan was able to take the memento home

The former Manchester United striker proceeded to kick a football into the stands 

The regular MLS season comes to an end this month and his side will miss out on the playoffs if they fail to finish inside the top six of the Western Conference.

Ibrahimovic can join a European team during the January transfer window as the new campaign does not start until March 2019.

He has scored 21 goals for LA Galaxy this season and has two more games to fire the franchise into the playoffs.