The fourth time around is proving the charm for Mats Zuccarello, who has been more assertive in every situation in his three games for the Rangers since rejoining the club last week following a full KHL season.
“I feel more confident on the ice,” Zuccarello told The Post yesterday before the Rangers embarked on a three-game trip that commences tonight in Pittsburgh. “The last time I was here I was way too worried about what would happen if I made a mistake.
“I decided that this time I would just give it my all and play with the mindset that I have nothing to lose.”
Zuccarello has one assist in 16:39 of average ice time. He is a top-six forward on a line with Brad Richards and Ryane Clowe while getting an opportunity at the point on the second power play.
“I’m sure playing in the KHL helped,” Zuccarello said. “It was another year of experience where I got the chance to work on the things I needed to in order to be able to come back to the Rangers.
“Confidence is a big part for every player. All the best players have it. If I want to play here, that’s very important for me. I have to play my best hockey every night.”
* Last year, the Rangers used 29 skaters in 102 games including playoffs, with 12 making debuts. This year, the Blueshirts have used 30 skaters in 36 games, with 13 appearing in first game with club
* Eight of the final 12 games are on road for the Rangers, who are 6-9-1 away from Garden. … The Rangers scored three 5-on-4 power play goals on Wednesday after having gotten one in previous 11 games.
* Marc Staal, sidelined for 15 games since sustaining his right eye injury a month ago tonight, continues to go through off-ice workouts but has not yet been cleared to skate.