Hartnett: Rangers' Zuccarello Is An Unstoppable Force Of Nature

By Sean Hartnett
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Zucc is no fluke.

Rangers fans have come to expect fireworks from top line winger Mats Zuccarello -- and he continues to deliver in a big way.

The 28-year-old playmaker has been the Blueshirts' offensive catalyst throughout their nine-game winning streak, collecting five goals and seven assists. There is more player packed into the Norwegian's 5-foot-7 frame than nearly all opponents who tower over him. He is a ball of energy, a force that will not be denied.

There is no hesitation from Zuccarello in the way he pursues the puck and operates in possession. He only knows how to play one way -- and that's with straight-ahead decisiveness.

"We get him the puck and he's making high-percentage plays, sometimes the play that no one else can make," captain Ryan McDonagh said. "It's really fun to see him play hard both ways -- offensive and defensively for us right now."

On Sunday night, Zuccarello ran the show in the Rangers' 4-3 home victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. After crafting gorgeous primary assists on goals by McDonagh and linemate Derick Brassard, he pounced on a rebound with 53.8 seconds left in regulation to give the Blueshirts the lead for good.

"He keeps getting better every day," alternate captain Dan Girardi said of Zuccarello. "He takes really good advantage of the chances he gets. When he has the puck, he makes a good play every time. When he's playing like that, we give ourselves a chance to win every night.

"We always knew he had the talent and the vision," Girardi added. "Now, he's putting it all together and burying his chances and making plays. Guys are burying their chances as well. That's why he's getting a ton of points now. When he has the puck, you know it's going to be a good play made and it's going to be on the tape."

The Rangers have now set franchise records with 14 victories and 30 points through the first 18 games of a single season. They're getting some outstanding efforts between pipes from Henrik Lundqvist and backup Antti Raanta, but Zuccarello has been a focal point by setting a tone to follow. His wholehearted example forces teammates to raise their levels.

"There's no doubt that he's on top of his game and he's finding a way to make a difference in the games," head coach Alain Vigneault said. "Again tonight, he comes up at a huge time and gives us a game-winner. There's no doubt that he's been playing real well and his enthusiasm is contagious. There's no doubt that he is well liked and well respected by his teammates and I think everyone is happy that he's playing so well right now."

Through 18 games, Zuccarello is scoring at a point-per-game pace. The diminutive winger leads the Rangers in goals (nine) and points. He shares the team lead in assists (nine) with defenseman Keith Yandle and is one of three Rangers to contribute two game-winning goals.

Of his 18 points, 17 have been either a goal or a primary assist. He leads the Blueshirts with eight primary assists.

"I think the way he's playing, and the way everyone's talking about him every game, it's starting to become something that he does every single night," alternate captain Derek Stepan said. "It's great to see. I don't know if there's a guy playing better hockey in the NHL right now other than Mats Zuccarello."

Zuccarello shares the NHL lead with eight even-strength goals and his nine goals trail only Patrick Kane, Jamie Benn, Tyler Toffoli and Vladimir Tarasenko.

To borrow a nickname from NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, right now Zuccarello is a human highlight reel.

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey