NYR TODAY MON 5/2: Zucc, NYR Grade, Alumni, TDINYRH

Mats Zuccarello nominated as finalist for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
@RNYRF Staff Report

New York Rangers Mats Zuccarello was named a a finalist for the NHL's Masterton Memorial Trophy along with former NY Rangers Penguins Pascal Dupuis and Panthers Jaromir Jagr. The Annual Trophy given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey is Zuccarello's first nomination for the award.
Per NHL, Zuccarello was nominated in recognition of a spirited return after suffering a serious head injury during the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. Zuccarello missed the Rangers' final 14 post-season games last year after being struck in the head by a slap shot. He played in 81 games this season and established career highs in goals (26), points (61) and power-play goals (seven).
If Zucarello wins the award he would be the 6th New York Ranger to earn the honor. Other Rangers to win are Jean Ratelle 1970-71, Rod Gilbert 1975-76, Anders Hedberg 1984-85, Adam Graves 2000-01 and Zuccarello's teammate Dominic Moore in 2013-14.
Good Luck Mats!

RNYRF's GRADING THE RANGERS 2015-2016
KEVIN HAYES Center/Right Wing

Looks as though the sophomore jinx struck Kevin Hayes this past season in his second year as a pro. A rough start, middle and finish for Hayes where it looked as though he just couldn't find his niche in the Rangers lineup. Whether it be from starting over with new linemates or being jockeyed from center to right wing once again this season Hayes just couldn't find the touch he had in his first year dropping from 45 points in 2014-15 to 36 points in 2015-16. Hayes managed to tally 14 goals and 22 assists and was a plus 4 for the year. Coming into his first contract year as an RFA Hayes was said to be part of the Rangers plans for next season with the team having the upper hand on a contract extension. Hayes 9 point drop in both points and plus minus along with a decline in faceoff percentage of close to 5% with an increase of 22 minutes total ice team factors into our grading.
GRADE C-

NYR Alumni Birthdays 5/2 
Roman Lyashenko C (2002-2003) Brad Richards C (2011-2014)

Today in NYR History May 2
2012: Marian Gaborik scores with 5:19 remaining in the third overtime of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to lift the Rangers to a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals.