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In his debut for the New York Rangers, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen did everything and more than the club and the fans could have expected. Unlike with many rookies, including Derek Stepan, there was no getting of the feet wet in the NHL before being asked to move up into more important roles, rather Zuccarello was tossed in feet first on the Rangers top line with Brandon Dubinsky and Stepan. Overall he would play 17:52 in his debut which he admitted after the game was more than he expected to play, but by the time the game was over there was no doubt that he had earned every second of ice he got on this night. In his play he displayed all the attributes in his game from the skill in terms of his skating, passing, vision, and shot to his grit and willingness to play in tough areas to the attitude and belief he has in his ability and it will certainly leave every Rangers fan wanting more, though as of now we are unsure when exactly the encore will be.
In a move not dissimilar to that they made on Dale Weise following the Philadelphia game the Rangers sent Mats Zuccarello back to the AHL and the Connecticut Whale. The main reason, at least the one given, is because the Whale plays their next game this Sunday, while the Rangers are off until Monday, December 27th. No indication was given as to whether Zuccarello would be called up for the game on Monday at this time, but he certainly showed he is capable at this level on this night and whether he is here Monday or not he will be back in short order. The main issues surrounding the decision come Monday will be the health of Marian Gaborik and if Gaborik is available whether there is another top 6 role for Zuccarello to fill because they do not want to bring him up for a non-top 6 role at this time.