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New York Rangers: Drafting an all Rangers skills competition team

By Nicholas Zararis

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 06: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers looks on from the bench during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on January 6, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 06: Head coach Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers looks on from the bench during a game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on January 6, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7: Mats Zuccarello
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 7: Mats Zuccarello /

The funniest player on the Rangers just so happens to be the team’s best player in the shootout. Mats Zuccarello is the perfect player for the NHL’s wacky version of the dunk contest.

Players with personality dominate in this event. Alex Ovechkin and P.K Subban really both went above and beyond the years that they won. Subban donned a wig and a Jaromir Jagr jersey to win over the fan vote. It’s a testament to his creativity because he did not even make his shot dressed as Jagr and still won.

The Rangers have several characters on their team but none more colorful than Zuccarello. He is always stirring things up on the ice and messing with players. Even more important, Zuccarello deserves an all-star appearance and everything that comes with it. His story of getting an NHL contract because of his play in the Olympics and thriving in the NHL is something out of a movie.

Throw in the fact that Zuccarello is one of the best playmakers in the entire NHL and a career 51.2% in the shootout. Giving the winger an open forum to express himself and make people laugh while flexing his prowess in the shootout is a win-win. If Zuccarello does ever earn an all-star game appearance this is his contest to lose.

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