It was touch-and-go for a bit with Mats Zuccarello.
The forward exited the Wild’s 3-0 win over the Canadiens on Nov. 14 after blocking Brock Faber’s shot in the first period, gingerly holding onto his family jewels.
According to teammate Marcus Foligno, Zuccarello is on the mend after a truly painful experience.
“We thought he was gonna lose one nut, but it actually survived and he’s got them both still,” Foligno told the 93X “Half-Assed Morning Show” on Wednesday. “Poor guy got hit where the sun don’t shine and it ruptured his testicle. He can’t even lift anything.”
Still, there was plenty of concern in the aftermath for the 37-year-old veteran, who will need a new protective cup seeing as his has a “massive dent in it,” per Foligno, who seems to be having a ball with the situation.
“It was hilarious,” Foligno said. “It’s funny after, now that he’s OK.”
Maybe forgive Zuccarello if he’s not loving the nutty situation.
The ex-Rangers fan favorite remains sidelined on an estimated three- to four-week timetable after having surgery on the sensitive area, having already missed games against the Stars and Blues this week.
Zuccarello was the third-highest scorer for Minnesota at the time of his his injury with six goals and eight assists in 16 games played.
He has been one half of an important pairing with the Wild’s top point-getting Kirill Kaprizov (12-21-34 in 19 games).
“Zuccy’s such an important part of the team,” Wild coach John Hynes said last week. “I’ve really enjoyed coaching him. He’s a veteran player, he’s an extreme competitor, he’s got great hockey sense and his value on the power play.
“Obviously (there is) his chemistry with Kirill, but to me the way he’s come in this year and he’s played, he’s a real key guy. But, that being said, he’s played a long time, too, and I know when he comes back he’s going to be back to where he is.”