For a man that was signed to be a role player, Zuccarello has developed into a primary goal scorer for the Rangers, as sad as it may seem.
His eight goals are second on the team, but that is not including shootout goals. In the few shootouts that the Rangers have been in this season, Zuccarello has been in major part in those that they have won. Where would this Rangers team be if Zuccarello did not take the reins and produce offense? I can only imagine.
Hopefully Richards, Nash and Stepan will finish counting their money soon so that they can help Zuccarello out.
One of the things that impresses me the most about Zuccarello's game is that he actually sticks up for his teammates.
You would think this would not be asking much since hockey is a team sport and a lot of players on different teams all stick up for their teammates, but not the Rangers. You would be simply amazed at the lack of care on this Rangers squad and how no one but Zuccarello comes to a teammate's aid.
Zuccarello, at 5-foot-7, is the shortest player on the Rangers and is by far the toughest out of everyone on this current roster, including Brian Boyle, the tallest player on the Rangers at 6-foot-7. Unlike his teammates, Zuccarello always finishes a check, is never afraid of anyone and even fights back when getting pushed around because it is not like any of his teammates will come to his aid.
Heart is by far the no. 1 reason why Zuccarello is the only player on this current Rangers roster who is earning his contract.
He gives 100 percent at everything his does. When he is on the forecheck, he pressures the player with the puck like there is no tomorrow. When he has the puck in the corners, it takes more than one guy to pry the puck away from him and when he doesn't have the puck in the corners, he will keep fighting until he comes up with the puck. When he shoots, he puts everything he can on it and the same can be said about his passing.
His heart and dedication is similar to captain Ryan Callahan, and I can only wish that the rest of this team can wake up and play with that kind of heart one day soon.
Related Links:
When Mats Zuccarello Is New York Rangers’ Toughest Player, You Know Something Is Wrong
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