Minnesota Wild Three Stars of the Week

First Star Jason Zucker

Jan 6, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker (16) celebrates his goal with forward Charlie Coyle (3) during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at Xcel Energy Center. The Sharks defeated 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

This was a slam dunk, slow pitch softball or wide open receiver. Jason Zucker absolutely lit up the statsheets while the Wild wallowed in their own filth for the past week, to the tune of 3 goals and an assist. Most of this came from his monster game against San Jose, where he notched two goals and an assist while filing in for Zach Parise on the Wild’s top line.

Zucker has had a breakout season so far with the Wild, and leads the team in goals with 15. While many have lamented his role with the team, his ice time has gradually increased as the season has come along, and you can make a real argument for Zucker’s development being the lone bright spot of the season for the Manbearpigs.