According to the AHL Transaction Log, the
New York Rangers have returned forward Mats Zuccarello to the Connecticut Whale
of the American Hockey League. Zuccarello,
23, was recalled for the team’s season finale against New Jersey in case the
team would need him if the game went to a shootout. Zuccarello was kept in the lineup for the
series opener against the Capitals, but only played 7:34 before being replaced
by Sean Avery in the lineup the last two games. With the play of Avery in the last two games there was no room for Zuccarello to get back in the lineup in the near future, so this is the best move for him.
The Whale are also in a
first-round series and trailing 2-1 against Portland. Zuccarello will be able to add to their
offense and gain valuable experience playing a big role in such meaningful
games. In 36 games for the Whale this
season Zuccarello had 13 goals and 16 assists in 36 games.
