Association of the East Atlantic Metropolitan Association of the Pacific Central West Languages The withdrawal of the Lundqvist number arrives at the right time for Zuccarello

Because of their friendship, they who have become very close when they evolved together between 2010 and 2019, this distance would have weighed heavily for Zuccarello, a Wild du Minnesota striker.

"When I heard that his number was going to be withdrawn, I told myself that I would have liked to be there, but that I was probably going to play elsewhere," noted Zuccarello.It is very special for me that it is our team that will be on site.It's just fantastic.»»

Zuccarello will indeed be at Madison Square Garden on Friday, since the Wild will cross the iron with the Rangers.

The initial game will not occur before 8 p.m. (HE) (NHLN, MSG+, BSN, NHL Live), an hour later than usual, due to the pre-match ceremony which will reach its culminating point whenLundqvist number 30 will be hoisted in the heights of the legendary amphitheater.

"He is a star," said Zuccarello.He didn't act like a show when he was with the team's guys, but we saw him in his clothes and in his magnificent hair.He was a star in all areas, not just in front of the net.»»

Zuccarello got along with the Rangers on May 26, 2010, after having led the Elite League of Sweden with 64 points (23 goals, 41 assists) in 55 games and having been appointed the most useful player in the League while he was carryingThe colors of Modo.He was also a leading player for Norway at the Vancouver Olympic Games in 2010.

He and Lundqvist have instantly become friends.

"The fact that we both spoke the Swedish helped," said Zuccarello.He was serious.He was focused on the task to be accomplished every day.I was rather the joker.I embodied a little change for him, we had fun, I added jokes to his life.I always liked the way he behaved.I also get along very well with his wife, Therese, and children, Charlise and Juli.»»

Zuccarello added that he had got to know Lundqvist's sides that supporters could not see, as a husband, father and a friend.

"He is a normal guy like you and me, he likes to have fun, make some jokes," said Zuccarello.It's Hank, a very beautiful guy always dressed.He is also emotional.To see him with his family, his children, and to see how funny he can be, I liked to discover this side of him.»»

He also liked his competitive side.

Zuccarello mentioned having learned from Lundqvist how to maintain a winning mentality at the arena.

"You can have all the talent of the world, train as hard as you want, you must still have the mentality that pushes you to be the best in important moments, and that is why it was the best, aZuccarello statement.He is so calm and relaxed outside the ice, but in key moments, it's as if something was lighting up in him.Several of the best players in the league have this faculty.»»

Zuccarello was also amazed at the way in which Lundqvist composed with the pressure that comes with being a star in New York.

"He kissed his situation, he did it with it, and he delivered the goods," said Zuccarello.Several other people would have cracked, the pressure would have been too large.But he managed it.I think he loved it, and that it even made him a better player, all this pressure he had to manage every day.»»