Zucker's Big Game Helps Wild Win Again

(above) Jason Zucker was named #1 star of the game

From: NHL.com
by Dan Myers

Just 48 hours after stealing a point from Florida, the Minnesota Wild did the same to the Los Angeles Kings, winning 4-3 in a shootout thanks in part to a big game from former University of Denver star Jason Zucker. Zucker had two assists and was named #1 star of the game by NHL.com. A pretty amazing performance in just his second professional game.

Zucker's first assist was the result of a shot that was tapped in by Nick Johnson. The goal was just the second in the last 30 games for Johnson.

Zucker's second assist tied the score in the latter half of the third period. Zucker's shot deflected off the skate of of Erik Christensen and past Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier with just over nine minutes remaining in regulation.

Minnesota also had a golden chance to win in overtime after Devin Setoguchi was hauled down on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot. His peanlty shot rang the left post. It was Zucker's brilliant pass in overtime which sprung Setoguchi on the breakaway which resulted in a penalty shot.

Christensen's line of Zucker and Johnson -- played stellar games after Wild Coach Mike Yeo said following his team's morning skate Saturday that he needed more from that line. Johnson scored a goal and Zucker had two assists. Christensen also had an assist. All three finished the game a plus-3.

"Your line is not going to be very good unless you have everybody going. Tonight, they were ready, right from the start," Yeo said. "They got rewarded with two goals, but there was a couple other shifts where they got some momentum for us, some great offensive zone time."

"I got the jitters out last game and was able to come in tonight and play more of my game," Zucker said. "Johnson and Christensen have been heling me a lot with that and I have been able to get some chemistry going with them."