News:Mats Zuccarello scored the fifth and final goal in Monday's 5-0 win over Washington.
Analysis: While it was Mats Zuccarello's first NHL playoff goal, he has been far from quiet these playoffs. After being shutout by the Caps in Games 1 and 2, the third-year winger has a goal and four assists in his last four games. The Norwegian Hobbit will hope to continue his productive ways in his first career game against Boston on Thursday.
News:Mats Zuccarello had two assists in Monday's 4-3 Game 3 win over Washington.
Analysis: The points were not only Zucc's first in this year's playoffs, but in his postseason career. He ended the regular season with three goals and three assists in his final seven games, so it's possible this could be a sign of things to come.
News:Mats Zuccarello extended his current point streak to three games in the 8-4 rout of Buffalo on Friday.
Analysis: The Norwegian Hobbit is a plus-2 with three goals and one assist in his last three games. As you plan your final week where he's likely available in most leagues, consider the fact that he's never had a four-game point streak. Either he's blossoming into the scorer GM Glen Sather has been hoping for or this will be short-lived.
News:Mats Zuccarello tallied twice in a 6-1 win over the Panthers on Thursday.
Analysis: The Norwegian Hobbit now has goals in back-to-back games, stepping up to the challenge to score presented to him by coach John Tortorella. The move down to the third line did little to adversely impact Zucc, and his presence might have rejuvenated Brad Richards, who finally scored Thursday.
News:Mats Zuccarello scored his first goal of the season in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Philadelphia.
Analysis: Zucc had looked good on the offensive end ever since making his return to Broadway, but hadn't quite been able to find twine despite good ice time.
News:Mats Zuccarello was plus-1 with an assist in a 4-2 victory over Winnipeg on Monday night.
Analysis: Zukes' exit from the penalty box also helped create a short-handed goal for Ryan Callahan. Additionally, the winger had one hit, three shots on goal and six penalty minutes. It's his first NHL point since returning last Saturday night and just his second assist in his 17 career games spanning three seasons. IF the Rangers' can string some wins together, the locker room favorite could get very streaky, making him a temporary consideration in deep leagues.
News:Mats Zuccarello will suit up against the Canadiens on Saturday night, indicates Newsday's Steve Zipay
Analysis: Looks like the speedster is ready to get back to action. After spending most of the lockout shortened season in the KHL, this will be his first game in Rangers red, white and blue in just over a year. Steven Zipay also tweets, the winger spent time during practice with Brad Richards and Chris Kreider.
News: After participating in his first Rangers practice in almost a year, Newsday's Steve Zipay, tweets Mats Zuccarello will not suit up Thursday against Ottawa.
Analysis: Not a huge surprise here as The Norwegian Hobbit is fresh off flying halfway around the world. He registered 28 points in 44 games this season with Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the KHL. He's a restricted free agent at season's end, so he's certainly got inspiration to produce. A streaky player, Zukes is known for his shootout skills and provides forward depth and possibly just what the Rangers need to cause an offensive stir when they slump. There is a chance he could suit up in Montreal on Saturday.
News: The Record's Andrew Gross indicates that Mats Zuccarello's season debut with the Rangers is likely to happen Saturday against the Canadiens.
Analysis: The report notes that Mats Zuccarello might play as soon as Thursday at Ottawa, but either way, Tuesday's game against the Flyers does not appear to be a consideration for the forward, who will join the Rangers' lineup after being granted his release by Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the KHL.
Rangers' Zuccarello Receives Release From KHL Team
News:Mats Zuccarello has received his release from his KHL club, Katie Strang of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: After being granted his release by the Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the KHL, Mats Zuccarello's free to join the Rangers. It's uncertain when he'll do so, but the 25-year-old should be back in the States, providing depth up front for the Rangers, before too long.
News:Mats Zuccarello has reportedly agreed to terms on a contract to return to the Rangers, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Before he dons a Rangers' jersey again though, the 25-year-old Mats Zuccarello must first obtain his release from his current team, Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the KHL, where he notched 11 goals and 17 assists in 44 games this season. The 5-7 forward brings some skills to the table and has recorded 26 points in 52 career NHL games to date.
News:Mats Zuccarello may be back in a Rangers uniform soon. The New York Post reports Rangers' GM Glen Sather is interested in bringing back the 5-foot-7 left winger.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello, whose NHL rights are still owned by the Rangers, is currently engaged in the first round of the KHL playoffs with Mettalurg Magnitogorsk. Zukes has 31 points in 48 KHL games this season. The speedster, who has an NHL out-clause in his current KHL contract, registered eight goals, 18 assists in parts (52 games) of the last two seasons with New York.
Rangers' Zuccarrello Ready And Available For Game 6
News:Mats Zuccarello (wrist) will be available, if needed, for Friday's Game 6 action against the Devils and was even ready for Game 5, as well, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Zuccarrello hasn't played since breaking his wrist March 23rd, so it would be a surprise to see the Rangers turn to the diminutive forward as they attempt to stave off elimination in Game 6 Friday. Nevertheless, Zuccarrello's recovery is good news for the Blueshirts' depth if they can salvage the series and move on to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Rangers' Zuccarello Participates In Morning Skate Tuesday
News:Mats Zuccarello (wrist) participated in the Rangers' morning skate Tuesday, the team's official Twitter account reports.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello, who underwent surgery in late March, has yet to make it on the ice in the playoffs for the Rangers. There was no comment on whether he will be able to able to go for Wednesday's crucial Game 5, but the fact that he is practicing is a good sign for New York.
Rangers' Zuccarello Practices In Non-Contact Jersey
News:Mats Zuccarello (wrist) practiced wearing an orange non-contact jersey on Friday, the Rangers' official Twitter page reports.
Analysis: It seems pretty certain that Mats Zuccarello won't be ready to go by Saturday for Game 7 against the Capitals. He's working himself back from Mar. 26 surgery, and may be available at some point in the next series if the Capitals can get a win at MSG.
News:Mats Zuccarello (left wrist) said that it might be as long as another two weeks before he's ready to play again, the Bergen Record reports.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello has been able to lightly shoot the puck and stickhandle as well, but he'll need for the Rangers to get past the Caps (they are up in their current series 3-2) in order to have a shot at suiting up again this season.
News:Mats Zuccarello (wrist) will undergo surgery Monday, ESPN New York reports.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello will undergo the surgery to repair a fractured left wrist, which he injured while blocking a shot in the first period of Friday's loss to the Sabres. According to the Rangers, he is out "indefinitely," but could make a return if the Rangers make a deep playoff run. Ruslan Fedotenko is expected to enter the lineup in Zuccarello's absence.
News:Mats Zuccarello suffered a fractured wrist during the first period of Friday's game and will be out indefinitely, the Bergen Record's Andrew Gross reports.
Analysis: The 24-year-old has put up three points (2G, 1A) in his nine games with the Rangers this season. He even scored the game-winning power-play goal Monday, but this injury may end the youngster's season.
News:Mats Zuccarello scored a power-play goal that ended up being the game-winner in Monday's 4-2 win over New Jersey.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello has provided a spark to the Blueshirts in his four games since being recalled, and his power-play goal marks the Rangers' first man-up goal in four games. It will be interesting to see what happen to Zuccarello if and when Artem Anisimov returns, but the young Norwegian forward is certainly making a case to remain in the lineup. Fantasy owners that need a late-season offensive boost would do well to take a look at Zuccarello.
News:Mats Zuccarello will again replace Artem Anisimov in the lineup for Monday's matchup against the Devils, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello has played admirably in his four games since being recalled, and has received hard-earned praise from coach John Tortorella for his passing, shooting, and movement without the puck. The Norwegian winger has also been playing on the power-play unit and has responded with two points in four games, so he's worth a look as long as Anisimov is out.
News: With Ryan Callahan (foot) out again for Tuesday's game against Carolina, Mats Zuccarello will get the call for the Rangers.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello played well filling in for Callahan during Sunday's contest against the Islanders. The Norwegian forward recorded an assist and even played on the Rangers' first power-play unit. Zuccarello makes for a very interesting fantasy play Tuesday for those in need of power-play points.
News: The Rangers have recalled Mats Zuccarello from AHL Connecticut, the Daily News Reports.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello, who has 12 goals and 24 assists in 37 games for Connecticut to date, gives the Blueshirts some depth up front, with Ryan Callahan banged up.
News: On Sunday, the Rangers demoted Mats Zuccarello to Connecticut of the AHL, according to Newsday.
Analysis: There's still the unanswered question of whether the diminutive forward can play on a nightly basis in the NHL. This demotion though, has more to do with the Rangers' early season defensive and discipline problems. Since the offensively inclined Mats Zuccarello still has to be considered a defensive liability, he's averaged less than 10 minutes of ice time per game as coach John Tortorella looks for solutions defensively. Once the Rangers "right the ship," expect to see Zuccarello return, but until he starts to show return on his high offensive upside, consider him to have no fantasy value.
News:Mats Zuccarello was fined $2,500 for boarding Kings forward Kyle Clifford during Friday night's game.
Analysis: The fine is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement. There will be no further disciplinary action taken.
News:Mats Zuccarello scored a goal on the Rangers' five-forward power-play in their 4-1 victory over HC Slovan this weekend, according to Daily News
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello has really started looking quite good the last few games with a goal and two assists. Whether he is shooting or passing, the puck is leaving his stick as quick as it comes and accurately finding its target in the process.
News: After cutting the team roster down to 14 forwards, it appears Mats Zuccarello has cemented himself as the third line right wing according to Newsday.
Analysis: With the Rangers down to 14 forwards and coach John Tortorella clearly stating that the 13th (and last) forward spot is a battle between Sean Avery and Erik Christensen, that indirectly says Mats Zuccarello has taken the last open starting spot on the third line. Zuccarello has improved in his skating and defensive responsibility, but more important his offensive creativeness has gotten even sharper this training camp. It seems it's a result of being much more comfortable now on the smaller NHL ice rinks, compared with the larger European ones of which he was used to, as his decision making and timing is much quicker.
Rangers' Zuccarello Has The Edge For Final Spot On Team
News: With about a week left before the start of the regular season, Mats Zuccarello appears to have the lead over Sean Avery, Carl Hagelin and Erik Christensen for the third-line spot on the right wing for the Rangers, according to The New York Times.
Analysis:Mats Zuccarello is a spark plug of offensive talent, who was MVP of the Swedish Elite league two years ago. Through 42 games last season, he was a constant source of offensive creation and opportunity, but had trouble finishing scoring attempts. Zuccarello has moves upon moves in one-on-one play, making him an ideal shootout option. The Rangers' only reservations about him are that he needs to improve his skating, and can this 5-foot-7 forward survive a six-month hockey season?
News: Zuccarello broke his hand in the AHL playoffs Thursday and will miss the rest of the season, the New York Daily News reports.
Analysis: Zuccarello played in Game 1 of the Rangers' playoff series before being sent down, but he won't be available again for either the Rangers or the Whale this season.
News: The Rangers reassigned Zuccarello to AHL Connecticut on Monday, the Globe and Mail's James Mirtle reports.
Analysis: Zuccarello wasn't used in the Rangers' Game 3 win over the Capitals, so he'll head down to the AHL, where Connecticut is in the midst of a playoff series of its own.
News: Zuccarello won't play against Washington on Sunday, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.
Analysis: Sean Avery was effective in his place for Game 2, so Zuccarello might be on the outside looking in unless Avery slips up.
News: Zuccarello was scratched for Friday's game against Washington, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.
Analysis: Zuccarello was unable to make much of an impact in Game 1, so the Rangers will turn to Sean Avery for the second matchup.
News: Zuccarello will draw into the lineup for Wednesday's playoff opener against the Capitals, Newsday's Steve Zipay reports.
Analysis: Zuccarello, a rookie, gets the nod over veteran Sean Avery for Game 1. The former player has plenty of offensive upside, which will be needed as the Rangers try to find holes in what has been an air-tight defensive unit run by the Caps.
Rangers' Zuccarello Playing Saturday Against The Devils
News: Zuccarello will play Saturday against New Jersey with Matt Gilroy moving back to defense and Steve Eminger sitting, according to Newsday's Steve Zipay.
Analysis: Coach John Tortorella is likely looking for an offensive spark to a Rangers' team that looked pretty flat in their last game. Tortorella may also be expecting a close game and may want Zuccarello for a possible shootout situation, an area he's excelled in this season.
News: The Rangers recalled Zuccarello, Newsday's Steve Zipay notes.
Analysis: Zuccarello has appeared in 41 games with the Rangers this season, tallying six goals and 16 assists along with a plus-2 rating. With Thursday's loss to the Thrashers, the Rangers lost control of their playoff fate and will find themselves at home this postseason if the Hurricanes win their final two games.
News: Zuccarello was sent to the AHL on Friday, Bergen Record writer Andrew Gross reports.
Analysis: Zuccarello was a healthy scratch twice before posting a minus-3 rating Thursday, so the Rangers are presumably looking for him to be a bit more consistent on offense before leaving him in the lineup.
News: Zuccarello will play against the Islanders on Thursday, BlueShirtsUnited.com reports.
Analysis: Zuccarello replaces Wojtek Wolski, whose deactivation could mark another scolding for his noted occasional lack of focus. Zuccarello presents a decent option for those who need an offensive threat, though he's not extremely reliable at this point.
News: Zuccarello will be a healthy scratch for Wednesday's game against Buffalo, BlueShirtsUnited.com reports.
Analysis: It marks the second straight scratch for Zuccarello. While he hasn't provided especially consistent production as an offensive specialist, he still has posted fairly promising numbers in his first NHL season and has skated to a plus-5 rating, so it'd be a bit surprising if he remained inactive beyond this.
News: Zuccarello will be a healthy scratch Saturday for the first time since being recalled from AHL Hartford, according to Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record
Analysis: In 40 games, Zuccarello has six goals and 16 assists. Coach John Tortorella said not playing Zuccarello had more to do with playing a big, physical Bruins' team, rather than ineffective play. Look for him to return in the next game or two.
News: Two days after breaking his 17-game goalless streak, Zuccarello got right back at it with two more goals in Sunday's rout over the Flyers.
Analysis: Zuccarello had hit the skids a bit, but he has appeared to be back on track, more active on offense, and more willing to shoot the puck Sunday. The talented young Norwegian has 19 points in 33 NHL games this year.
News: Despite creating multiple scoring chance the last half dozen games, Zuccarello can't break his goalless streak, which has now reached 17 games.
Analysis: Zuccarello does have nine assists over his last 14 games and has shown a knack for creating scoring chances. If he can start cashing in on some of those chances, Zuccarello could be a nice fantasy play but until then he has very little value. Put him on your watch list for now.
News: Zuccarello could see his role expand since Marian Gaborik has been diagnosed with a concussion, as predicted by Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record.
Analysis: Assuming this holds true, Zuccarello would see a modest boost in fantasy value, but it partly depends on how much more ice time he gets on the power play. Zuccarello is averaging just over two and a half minutes on the man advantage, though he has yet to score when the Rangers have the extra guy. Nevertheless, he will be one to track if given the opportunity for a greater role.
Rangers' Zuccarello To Play Point On The Power Play
News: Zuccarello will replace Wojtek Wolski at the point on the power play, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Zuccarello feels comfortable at the point and will get his shot to remain there. This may only be a one-game audition as Wolski is not expected to be out long.
News: Zuccarello posted three assists in Tuesday's loss to Florida, snapping a three-game points drought.
Analysis: Zuccarello is gaining notoriety for his stick-handling acumen, but he has seven points in the last seven games. A whiz on the ice, Zuccarello is making a name for himself and he should be strongly considered in leagues that include shootout statistics.
News: Zuccarello had a goal and an assist in the Rangers' 2-1 overtime victory over the Hurricanes on Wednesday evening.
Analysis: It was a strong night for the rookie as he also nabbed the game's third star with three shots on goal and a plus-2 rating to go along with the game-winning goal in overtime.
News: The Rangers will recall Zuccarello from the AHL before Monday's game against the Islanders, the Bergen Record's Andrew Gross reports.
Analysis: At first glance, this seems like an indication that Marian Gaborik will not play, but that's reportedly not the case. Zuccarello has good skills, but lacks ideal size, which may hold him back at the NHL level.
Rangers' Zuccarello Makes NHL Debut, Then Sent Down
News: Zuccarello played almost 18 minutes in his NHL debut Thursday against the Lightning, recording two shots on goal and scoring a clutch goal in the shootout. He was sent back to the AHL after the game.
Analysis: A solid NHL debut overall for Zuccarello, whose tally in the third round of the shootout kept it going, although the Rangers eventually lost in round 11. Zuccarello will have to wait to get his real first NHL goal, as Marian Gaborik only needed a one-game breather, but you have to think the Rangers will find a roster spot for him soon.
News: The Rangers recalled Zuccarello-Aasen from the AHL on Wednesday, Newsday writer Steve Zipay reports.
Analysis: It hasn't been confirmed that MZA will be suiting up for any games, as his being called up was predicated on Marian Gaborik missing practice with a sore groin. If Gaborik does miss any time, it's next to impossible to guess what MZA might be able to do at the NHL level, but he has shown an intriguing combination of speed and puck skills at lower levels of competition. In any case, he might be headed back to the AHL once Gaborik is ready to go.
