How Zuccarello’s Absence Will Affect New York vs. Lightning [AUDIO]

The Rangers played the entire second round of the playoffs without winger Mats Zuccarello and now, it seems he could miss the majority of the Eastern Conference Finals. So how will this hurt New York the most?

He’s the catalyst in a lot of the areas," said MSG Network's and former Rangers captain Dave Maloney, to 104.5 The Team. "He’s a three zone player. I thought he was particularly missed in the Washington series because he was a playmaker who could play his way through traffic.

"The Rangers were very happy last week that Zuccarello was beginning very light workouts. I doubt very highly that we’re going to see him any time soon. If he is in the lineup and healthy enough to play then that would be a good thing but it doesn’t look that way at the moment."

The Rangers kick off the third round of the post-season at 1pm ET on Saturday afternoon.