Will Mats Zuccarello play Game 7? Today’s practice will answer that question!
Zuccarello at practice via NYDN
It’s the question Rangers fans keep asking more than any other, “Will Mats Zuccarello play Game 7?” We know he’s been working out and skating with the extras, but he has not been cleared for contact. If there’s to be any hope of seeing him Friday, he needs to practice with the team in full today.
The Rangers are scheduled to practice today at noon. We know Zuccarello will be there as he’s been traveling with the team, but will he get on the ice with the regulars? Should he do so, that would mean he’s been cleared for contact. If he feels good tomorrow, then there would be a chance (not a guarantee) that he could play Game 7.
Mats Zuccarello hasn’t played since Game 5 of the opening round when he suffered his head injury. Ryan McDonagh’s slapshot caught him flush in the head and “rang his church bells” as his manager said. However, over the last couple of weeks he’s been working out and skating.
[su_quote cite=”NYDN” url=”https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/mats-zuccarello-skates-rangers-game-6-article-1.2235786?utm_content=bufferdd18e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=NYDNSports+Twitter”]“He’s been around the team now for a while, and it’s always fun to have him around,” Lundqvist said Tuesday morning. “He’s a big part of this team … Hopefully we can keep on playing so he can join us…”[/su_quote]
Another great sign is that he’s traveling with the team. Not only does that signal progress in his recovery but it is helping everyone around him. From his coach who loves having his infectious smile around, to his teammates that enjoy how he lightens the mood. Zuccarello’s presence off the ice has helped the team, imagine what it he could for them on it?
[su_quote cite=”ASAP Sports via SNYRANGERS” url=”https://snyrangersblog.com”]Derrick Brassard on Zuccarello at practice: “No, not really. I was just playing there with Marty and Zuc came on the ice with a big smile, and I think that actually kind of helped me to have a smile on my face a little bit. I wasn’t working on anything. I was just playing there.”[/su_quote]
As of this morning, Zuccarello playing in Game 7 is not a possibility. That could all change at 12PM today if he takes the ice for practice with the rest of the starters.Will Mats Zuccarello play Game 7? Today’s practice will answer that question!
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