Rangers' Vigneault on Zuccarello playing in semis: 'There's always hope'

We like New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault's attitude.

Asked Thursday about the possibility of injured winger Mats Zuccarello playing against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final, Vigneault said: "There's always hope."

Zuccarello's been out since Game 5 of the first round after taking a puck to the head.

Vigneault added that the forward has begun to work out and is progressing, and the head coach is keeping his fingers crossed.

Zuccarello had 15 goals and 34 assists in 78 games in the regular season, adding two helpers in five playoff games. The speedy winger's return to the lineup would be a boon to New York, as the Lightning have speed to burn for days, as well.