AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
In all reality the Rangers shouldn’t be leaning on Mats Zuccarello. After all, Zuccarello is somewhat middle of the pack when it comes to the big tickets assembled by the contending Rangers. A handful of forwards drop more salary. Zuccarello’s salary rank takes an even bigger hit when you factor in the blueline and a certain All-world goalie residing in the New York net.
The thing is, Zuccarello – also not yet at his best after his scary injury – has been the Rangers best and most consistent forward this season and there hasn’t been much competition. The Rangers just haven’t been good enough up front; whether it’s a lack of finishing (looking at you Mr Nash and Mr Kreider), struggling to establish a consistent forecheck or even helping out their own blueline who’ve faced countless odd man rushes in part because of the miscommunications with their forward brethren. The Rangers forwards aren’t where they need to be. Yet there is Zuccarello on course to smash his career high in goals in part thanks to his hattrick against the hapless Leafs while playing the best hockey amongst the Rangers vaunted top six.
Zuccarello has become a leader up front for the Rangers. He’s no longer just a popular, secondary scorer who drives possession but he’s fast become a go-to guy up front. Perhaps it’s more evident than it should be because of other players’ struggles but its certainly evident. Zuccarello is leading all Ranger forwards in ice time; and he also trails only Stepan and Nash in powerplay minutes. He’s also he’s on course to take a career high amount of shots. Of course, Zuccarello’s outrageous shooting percentage of 28% won’t be sustainable but Zuccarello is getting to the dangerous parts of the ice more than he ever has and he’s impacting games.
While Zuke has never been a player to stick to the perimeter he’s definitely getting himself into better positions. Zuccarello’s willingness to get to the net also shows that he’s not playing tentatively after his freakish injury last year (he’s even second amongst forwards in blocked shots; a minor but not wholly unimportant statistic).
Zuccarello has long been the glue on his line with Nash and Brassard and is clearly an important player in the dressing room but right now, amid other players’ struggles, he may be the most important Ranger up front. Collectively the Rangers haven’t been particularly impressive this season yet you’ll find them in the standings with an oh-so-healthy 7-2-2 record. It’s not just Henrik Lundqvist and uber rookie Oscar Lindberg the faithful have to thank for that record. As everyone expected when he signed his team friendly extension, the Rangers have a bargain on their hands with Zuccarello and he’s earning every penny on his way to becoming the Rangers most reliable forward.
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