The Zuccarello Appreciation Thread (Videos inside)

[member 116805]

Zuccsanity is official lol http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-rangers-bring-back-mats-zuccarello-seventh-norwegian-play-nhl-article-1.1048506?localLinksEnabled=false

 

[Thordic]

I have to say again, if Boyle doesn't start hitting the damn net soon, it's such a waste to play him with Zook. It's a waste of goals (that we need!) to see quality passes get ruined time after time. Although for all the Boyle bashing, he's at least good at putting himself in a position where Zook can find him. We know Boyle can score, that's what's so damn annoying.

The funny thing is, it seems it's almost always Boyle Zook is threading the puck to. They seem to have a really good understanding of eachother. Now if only Boyle could remember how to finish... ARGH! He could've scored a couple of goals already from the prime chances he's had. Hopefully, Anisimov can get some good passes in the next couple of games. His shot is wicked when he gets the open space to set it up.

Zook has looked better than ever in the last couple of games. His offensive skills have always been elite, but he isn't dogging it defensively and his board work is underrated. You get the impression he's all over the ice on his shifts, but that's not because of his skating, but because of his hockey IQ and vision once again. He's reading where the puck will end up before it is arriving there. It's such a joy to watch, not many players can do that. That's stuff that is so hard to teach out, you must have it in your gut feeling.

Yeah, it drives me crazy. I love Boyle, but Zucc has giftwrapped a few goals with no payoff. Hopefully they gain some more chemistry and Boyle starts to bury those.

 

[SlingshotVv]

I have to say again, if Boyle doesn't start hitting the damn net soon, it's such a waste to play him with Zook. It's a waste of goals (that we need!) to see quality passes get ruined time after time. Although for all the Boyle bashing, he's at least good at putting himself in a position where Zook can find him. We know Boyle can score, that's what's so damn annoying.

The funny thing is, it seems it's almost always Boyle Zook is threading the puck to. They seem to have a really good understanding of eachother. Now if only Boyle could remember how to finish... ARGH! He could've scored a couple of goals already from the prime chances he's had. Hopefully, Anisimov can get some good passes in the next couple of games. His shot is wicked when he gets the open space to set it up.

Zook has looked better than ever in the last couple of games. His offensive skills have always been elite, but he isn't dogging it defensively and his board work is underrated. You get the impression he's all over the ice on his shifts, but that's not because of his skating, but because of his hockey IQ and vision once again. He's reading where the puck will end up before it is arriving there. It's such a joy to watch, not many players can do that. That's stuff that is so hard to teach out, you must have it in your gut feeling.

It is irritating. I love that he drives the net so hard this season, LA begged him to do that, but he just didn't have the legs to get to the net when plays were happening. I'm not going to hate on what is essentially a 4th liner that can play puck possession and drives the net hard with a scoring chance at least twice per game. You really can't ask for more. Guys like Boyle score with luck. With the way he's playing he could get hot and luck a few in during a playoff series. At least he looks like he's playing playoff hockey.

 

[BlueshirtBlitz]

Boyle is fantastic at puck possession. He's just atrocious at finishing. MZA really served him birthday presents and Boyle either misses it or shanks it wide. So infuriating. Especially when it happened twice on one shift!

 

[member 116805]

Boyle is fantastic at puck possession. He's just atrocious at finishing. MZA really served him birthday presents and Boyle either misses it or shanks it wide. So infuriating. Especially when it happened twice on one shift!

And Mitchell before him...

 

[Zil]

Boyle is fantastic at puck possession.

I don't know about that. The puck seems to go right through his stick when it's near him. He loses the puck so much in the offensive zone that I've begun to question whether the blade is even corporeal.

 

[BlueshirtBlitz]

I don't know about that. The puck seems to go right through is stick when it's near him. He loses the puck so much in the offensive zone that I've begun to question whether the blade is even corporeal.

Every line he's on is great at puck possession. I have a hard time thinking its a coincidence, but it is possible.

To be fair, every line he's on is pretty bad at scoring too.

 

[Blue Blooded]

And Mitchell before him...

Yeah, I especially remember the wide open net he was served by Zuccarello in the dying seconds of the loss to the Pens, which he somehow managed to miss. While it would have no impact on the result whatsoever, it would at least have been some nice stat padding.

 

[anofsti]

Zuccsanity is official lol http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-rangers-bring-back-mats-zuccarello-seventh-norwegian-play-nhl-article-1.1048506?localLinksEnabled=false

Ugh, that is such a bad pun. Lets call him a Zuccsess instead.

Zuccsanity doesn't even work the way Linsanity does because of the italized parts.

 

[member 116805]

Yeah, I especially remember the wide open net he was served by Zuccarello in the dying seconds of the loss to the Pens, which he somehow managed to miss. While it would have no impact on the result whatsoever, it would at least have been some nice stat padding.

He gave him two open nets that night, and Mitchell missed twice. Sometimes not scoring is a bigger achievement then putting it in the net haha

 

[Zucc36]

Of course the norwegian media continues their coverage on Zuccarello;

- They don´t even need to ask (Google Translate).

It´s Pat Leonard talking. Basically he says that Zuccarello has earned his spot in the team, for good. And there is no need to ask the question if he will be sent down, because he wont. He has added som much the the team, especially his offense, power play and creativity, and has improved in his defensive play in even strength.

 

[Ilovemymum]

Of course the norwegian media continues their coverage on Zuccarello;

- They don´t even need to ask (Google Translate).

It´s Pat Leonard talking. Basically he says that Zuccarello has earned his spot in the team, for good. And there is no need to ask the question if he will be sent down, because he wont. He has added som much the the team, especially his offense, power play and creativity, and has improved in his defensive play in even strength.

NYDN, Jesse Spector and now Leonard have always liked him. Not sure they reflect the opinion of the management accurately at all times though.

 

[anofsti]

NYDN, Jesse Spector and now Leonard have always liked him. Not sure they reflect the opinion of the management accurately at all times though.

Even Kevin DeLury (the blogger) kinda likes him now, and if he does, I imagine managment does too. I don't think many of the sceptics, either here or in the blogoshphere, will tolerate that many bad games from him before they bring back all the old arguments though.

 

[Pizza]

I still have concerns about him, but he's been solid.

A few things:

He brings an element of skill to the team that can not be denied. His passing is so slick that his teammates are surprised. Not his fault that they have trouble finishing some of the dishes he's served up.

He's gotten better at 1 on 1 battles, but it clearly is not a strength. That said, in tandem battles around the boards he's much better.

I LOVE the way he goes to the net, but he's had some chances he should have finished. He needs to shoot more, be more selfish, but I say that about most players. Since his size will always be an issue, Zuccarello has to be a player that can put the puck on and in the net. On a team where that is clearly an issue, he would help his own cause, while putting more pressure on others to up their game. Which is what this whole thing is about anyway.

He's a very talented player. The Rangers did a great job getting him here. I hope he merits a new contract at years end.

 

[Ilovemymum]

Even Kevin DeLury (the blogger) kinda likes him now, and if he does, I imagine managment does too. I don't think many of the sceptics, either here or in the blogoshphere, will tolerate that many bad games from him before they bring back all the old arguments though.

Haven't read that blog before. Quite nice. Blunt is the word?

Edit: A quick question. What is vCash? (And how to spend it.)

 

[gary laser eyes]

Edit: A quick question. What is vCash? (And how to spend it.)

Virtual Cash. You can bet on games by going to the "vBookie Hockey" forum here at hfboards.

 

[wolfgaze]

Zuccsanity is official lol http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-rangers-bring-back-mats-zuccarello-seventh-norwegian-play-nhl-article-1.1048506?localLinksEnabled=false

Adding fuel to Zuccsanity was a Wednesday report that general manager Glen Sather said the Rangers “want to re-sign†Zuccarello, the former MVP of the Swedish Elite League who played 42 games with the Blueshirts last season but has been in the minors most of this season.

“That means a lot,†Zuccarello said of Sather’s words. “There’s nothing I can do about it right now, but obviously it’s a good thing to hear. There have been a lot of tough days, especially because I was up (with the Rangers) for so long last year. I came in with big expectations and occasionally have had a tough time.â€

Very interesting! Did not know that...

 

[Ilovemymum]

Virtual Cash. You can bet on games by going to the "vBookie Hockey" forum here at hfboards.

Cheers. Put it on Rangers tonight. Tired of solitaire.

LGR

 

[Zucc36]

Just a little fact;

Zuccarello´s goal against Colorado put him ahead of Patrick Thoresen in all time NHL points for a norwegian, with less than half of the games played. Only Espen Knutsen (111 points) ahead of him now.

 

[quentez]

Espen Knutsen also scored in an All-Star game.

Wonder if Zuke will ever have the chance to do that...doubt it. But he'll surely take the Norwegian record if he remains in NHL the remainder of his career.

 

[member 116805]

Espen Knutsen also scored in an All-Star game.

Wonder if Zuke will ever have the chance to do that...doubt it. But he'll surely take the Norwegian record if he remains in NHL the remainder of his career.

I dont think that will happen unless he ends up on a horrible team like Knutsen's Blue Jackets. Playing a regular shift on a good team is much more important than taking part in a once-a-year, festival of talent.

 

[Ilovemymum]

Just a little fact;

Zuccarello´s goal against Colorado put him ahead of Patrick Thoresen in all time NHL points for a norwegian, with less than half of the games played. Only Espen Knutsen (111 points) ahead of him now.

Wouldn't be all surpised if Thoresen might be in NHL again next year? He's an UFA, kids going to an American school i St. Petersburg, Zucca creates more Norwegian headlines in the AHL than he does winning the KHL as an MVP (+/- sort of). He's become a fantastic two-way player. Must be some interest at least?
Could team up with Radulov in Nashville maybe? Worked before. Or along side Zucca in Rangers. Would love those press conferences. Remember when Oilers lost a game pretty badly and Thoresen had an assist, and the Norwegian reporter really really wanted to know the coach's opinion on his assist. Torts would have loved it

 

[fredrikstad]

Wouldn't be all surpised if Thoresen might be in NHL again next year? He's an UFA, kids going to an American school i St. Petersburg, Zucca creates more Norwegian headlines in the AHL than he does winning the KHL as an MVP (+/- sort of). He's become a fantastic two-way player. Must be some interest at least?
Could team up with Radulov in Nashville maybe? Worked before. Or along side Zucca in Rangers. Would love those press conferences. Remember when Oilers lost a game pretty badly and Thoresen had an assist, and the Norwegian reporter really really wanted to know the coach's opinion on his assist. Torts would have loved it

Thoresen are contracted by SKA next year too. And making too much money to break his contract. About 2,4 mill tax free.

 

[Colt Seavers]

@KatieStrangESPN
#NYR Zuccarello suffered broken wrist on the play, according to the team. Sidelined indefinitely


Ugh!

 

[YetAnotherNorwegian]

Great... I guess that seals it. At least you got to show that you've upped your game, Mats. Lets hope some GM noticed and you'll get signed somewhere next season