Rangers need to get Zuccarello going

Looking for some form…Scott Levy/Getty Images

While the Rangers keep looking for some consistency and Rick Nash keeps the team in playoff contention almost single handidly, one of the most underwhelming players this season – so far – has been Mats Zuccarello. The little Norwegian winger has failed to live up to his new one year contract (and hefty pay rise) and certainly hasn’t played to a level where he can expect to a get rich, long term deal this coming summer.

With all that said, the Rangers really need Zuccarello to get going. Zuccarello is one of the Rangers more creative players and, Marty St Louis and Derek Stepan aside, arguably boasts the best on ice vision of any Ranger. An in form Zuccarello would surely make the Rangers powerplay much more efficient which would go a long way in helping the team string more wins together. Last season Zuccarello had 17 points with the extra man. This year, somehow, he has yet to record his first point on the powerplay. A huge fall from grace for the popular and hard working winger.

In almost every sense, Zuccarello has disappointed. His lack of goals, the several careless penalties, a lack of special teams production and currently sporting a career low shooting percentage, Zuccarello’s saving grace is that he can always be counted upon for his excellent work ethic. While his former running mate Derick Brassard has taken his game up a level this season, Zuccarello has stood still despite never enjoying more ice time than he has received this season.

Not just for the sake of the powerplay but for the Rangers to contend beyond April, the team need Zuccarello to find some consistency but certainly more production. With Ryan McDonagh and Dan Boyle both now healthy, the hope that the powerplay will improve rests with its two likely PP quarterbacks but Zuccarello is also a huge piece of the overall puzzle.

Zuccarello’s disappointing year hasn’t been helped by the revolving door of linemates, Chris Kreider’s up but especially down year and the prolonged absence of Derek Stepan. With Stepan now back and the top six as settled as it has been all year, Zuccarello should be able to find some better form in the coming weeks. The size of Zuccarello’s next contract – not to mention the Rangers 2014/15 season – will both be impacted by his ability to turn the corner.