Zuccarello has missed the last four games with a hand injury that he suffered in Sochi. He will take part in the morning skate and unless he suffers a setback, expect him to be in the lineup on Friday.
Head coach Alain Vigneault had a lot of positive news about Zuccarello this morning. He could return later this week, which is way ahead of his 3-4 week timeline. When Zuccarello can return has to do with whether or not he can deal with the pain. Monitor his status before Friday's contest.
Zuccarello said he suffered the injury blocking a shot during Norway’s 3-1 loss to Austria Sunday in a Group B match at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Zuccarello leads the Rangers with 28 assists and 43 points in 58 games this season. “It’s tough, but it’s part of the game so you kind of have to just go with it,” Zuccarello said Friday, wearing a black brace on his left hand. “But obviously it’s nothing you wanted to happen over there. It’s a tough one.”
The only current NHL player on Norway's roster will not suit up against Russia in an elmination game. This is a huge loss for Norway, Zuccarello was playing major minutes on their top line and top power-play unit.
Zuccarello has struggled, recording no points in seven games.
Zuccarello might be set to make his season debut Saturday in Montreal
MZA has spent some time on the Rangers' top line in the past so he could be the spark the Rangers need up front to get moving again. He does not need to go through waivers because he is already under RFA-status with New York as per Bob McKenzie.
Zuccarello remains out indefinitely but could return in late May/June. He scored two goals and an assist in 10 games this season.
Sounds like Zuccarello's season is over. He scored two goals and an assist in 10 games.
Zuccarello moves back down to the fourth line. He has one assist in six games played this season.
Zuccarello moves up to the second line to start tonight's game. He has an assist in five games.
Zuccarello will give the Rangers some offensive creativity. He had no points in his previous three games.
With no points and only one shot on goal through his first three games, the Rangers will sent Zuccarello back down to the AHL for some added seasoning.
Zuccarello looks to make the NHL out of camp and stick for the entire season. The former SEL MVP posted decent totals as a rookie -- 6 goals, 23 points in 42 games.
Rangers going with same lines as Saturday. Lines updated.
