Player Discussion Mats Zuccarello Part II
- Thread starter Gardner McKay
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Placid
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- Feb 17, 2010
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Well... im trying to avoid falling into the "wishful thinking" trap, but with more support from the backend than he has been used to (our defense corps is probably better than it has ever been with Zucc as a Ranger), it should theoretically benefit our forwards corps (more offensive zone time, better possession, higher quality passes including breakouts, etc). So its certainly not unthinkable that we'll have multiple players that will garner something extra from that
Synergy27
F-A-C-G-C-E
I still think people take this guy for granted. He's so noticeable because of his grit and hustle, but alot of what makes him great are very subtle things.
The way he created that passing lane by pulling back twice is simply something not very many players can do. It doesn't look like much, but it requires an understanding of the game and a level of patience that is rare. He's so, so good.
Edge
Kris King's Ghost
I think people have in mind their ideal star, even subconsciously.
They imagine a 6'2, 210 pound center who scores 30 goals and 80 points, he leads, he has grit, he is the face of the franchise, and he's drafted with a prime draft pick.
A step below that they imagine either a top defenseman, a top power winger, or a two-way do it all center in the Bergeron or ROR mold.
That's where a lot of minds go when they think of their favorite players.
Where they tend not to go, and I'm not saying it's right, is with undersized wingers, who were late bloomers and signed as a free agent, who tend to lean towards playmaking a little more. Heck, playmakers have always had a hard enough time getting recognized over goal scorers and other types, even without the other circumstances I mentioned.
We kind of see that here. Our attention is usually elsewhere. We're thinking about Hank, or McD, or our "homegrown" hopes for guys like Kreider, Miller, Skjei, Andersson or Chytil. We're debating whether Zibanejad or Hayes can take the next step. Heck, we're even debating whether Boo Nieves is a mainstay fourth liner or a journeyman. But we're not thinking about Zucc. We know what he is, almost to the point of taking him for granted. We assume he'll get his 15-20 goals, 60 some odd points and quietly do his thing while we debate almost everyone else on the team.
He's not necessarily going to catch our eye the way other players will, he's not the guy we identify as the face of the franchise, or the future face of the franchise. We see him as our reliable third or fourth star, sometimes even lower.
It's funny when you really stop and think about it. Because year in and year our, nobody worries about Zucc.
Synergy27
F-A-C-G-C-E
But at the same time, due to what I assume is the same syndrome, many talk about trading him at the deadline because he's just an asset. He's so much more than that.
Edge
Kris King's Ghost
In fairness, I think it's a little more complicated than that.
I think the feeling was that the Rangers window is closing as Lundqvist ages and that by the time the next wave of players is ready for their window, a guy like Zucc will likely be on the tail end of his career. The Rangers would be selling high and trying to maximize any potential return.
The Rangers aren't moving anyone unless they are either out of the playoffs, or putting together a package for a star player. As for Zucc, I don't forsee a circumstance under which they move him unless they are putting together a blockbuster AND multiple guys have emerged that are ready to fill in the offensive vacuum that will exist without him.
And that says nothing about the reality that Nash is likely playing somewhere else next season. I don't see the Rangers losing him and trading Zucc in that close of a time period.
NickyFotiu
NYR 2024 Cup Champs!
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I feel fans worry too much about nonsense but the team doesn't. Zooks doesn't have to be our leading scorer or a "star" player. He just has to continue being a very good player and a strong asset for us on the ice. The same goes for Zibs, CK, JT, McD, etc.
broadwayblue
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InvalidBeard
Registered User
Best passer in the game? How far away? Top 5 easy, no? Best I've had pleasure of watching night-in night-out.
NickyFotiu
NYR 2024 Cup Champs!
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Hard to say any one specific player is definitively the top passer in the game today but I think it is very cool to even be considered in that kind of discussion. Guys like Backstrom, Getzlaf, Zetterberg would have to be discussed as well as that kid McDavid.
BlueshirtBlitz
Foolish Samurai
I think Zuke is definitely one of the faces of the team. When i'm thinking of 2010s Rangers, i think Hank, McD, Kreider, and then Zuke usually (maybe Stepan before Zuke, RIP in peace 
). His talent and his contract make it impossible to NOT actively root for him.
He could put up anywhere from 55-65 points this year, and he's gonna look damn good doing it.
). His talent and his contract make it impossible to NOT actively root for him.He could put up anywhere from 55-65 points this year, and he's gonna look damn good doing it.
WesMcCauley
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- Apr 24, 2015
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yeah, I`m positive that Zucc can have a record season this year in total pts. with better defense who can handle the puck better. I will be frisky and say 72 pts. this year!
He need a goalscorer next to him to do that. He had 44 assist last season and played with Stepan and Kreider alot. They are both good players but none of them are elite point scorers. Our powerplay is bad and Zucc need a finisher on the pp if he is going to score 70+ points imo. Shatty could help alot on the pp which can help us score more there but we also lost a 55-60 point center who played the hard matchups. Will be interesting to see how we play without Stepan and Girardi though.
Kevin Shattenkirk is a finisher though from the blue-line, but we will see. I partly agree - I wish we had another solid finisher/sniper like Marty on this team.
Probably not, but if the Rangers were for some reason not to be in a playoff spot by the deadline, Zucc may very well be one of the better trade chips they have to increase assets.
If the Rangers time it right, they could probably get back a serious haul in return for Zucc. That being said, I would probably be inclined to hold onto him.
I agree. But like with anything else, I think that the team needs to be honest with themselves. Either they are a contender for the Cup or they are not. If it appears to be the latter, they should trade him away and bring in assets to retool
Zucc36
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- Jan 8, 2011
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Would hate to see him leave, but I have a feeling that if the Rangers are out of the playoffs this season, he might go before trade deadline or next summer.....
Still, I would so much love to see him a Ranger for life.
I think that the thought process needs to be with the head and not the heart here. Heart choices can make poor decisions in a salary cap league where younger assets are currency.
Algernop Kreider
Ant strength
And then in 2015 we realize that when he goes down, the team goes with him.
Amazing Kreiderman
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- Apr 11, 2011
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Well, it wasn't just him going down. It was also Yandle and McDonagh playing through some very nasty ankle injuries. But yes, the moment Zuccarello went down, it ruined our chances. Which is why I am always saying the team with the fewest injuries is most likely to win the Stanley Cup.
Mortivore
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