Mats Zuccarello had an incredible interaction with his coach during Game 4 with the Stars up 4-1

BarDown Staff

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Trade deadline acquisitions can sometimes be the difference between a deep playoff run and a first round elimination. Most of the remaining playoff teams made some moves ahead of the deadline, including the Dallas Stars who got Mats Zuccarello from the Rangers.

The 31-year-old was injured just one game into his Stars career and it seemed like he could miss the playoffs, but Zuccarello recovered right in time for the postseason and he hasn't disappointed with 9 points in 10 games (6 points in the second round against the Blues).

After no assists in Round 1, Mats Zuccarello already has 6 through 4 games of Rd2 vs STL. That ties him for 1st on this @DallasStars list of hot playmaking starts to a #StanleyCup Playoff series pic.twitter.com/FLWZqGXDnF
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) May 2, 2019

The former Ranger always seems to have a smile on his face. He's such a positive and upbeat player, and those qualities were on display in Dallas' Game 4 win to even the series, as per head coach Jim Montgomery (via The Athletic)

Monty on the Stars not getting too high or too low:

"[Zuccarello] turned around and told me, 'Coach we're up 4-1, we're having fun, relax.'" 😂 https://t.co/xZXMbynpNN
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 2, 2019

Jim Montgomery on Mats Zuccarello: “He turned around and told me ‘Coach, we’re up 4-1. We’re having fun. Relax,’ at some point in the second period.”
— Matthew DeFranks (@MDeFranks) May 2, 2019

"We know it’s a game. Zuccarello’s been great like that too. At one point he turned around and he goes: “Hey coach, we’re up 4-1, we’re having fun, relax.”

Did Montgomery relax after receiving Zuccarello’s advice?

“I did. He has such a pleasant smile. I just said, ‘You’re right.'”

Playoff games are always so intense, but they're also extremely fun for the players. Every player dreams of winning the Stanley Cup and being able to try and live out that dream must be so enjoyable.

Playing loose and with that joy is always important and the Stars seem to be doing just that thanks to Zuccarello and company. They'll need to carry that joy and intensity over to Game 5 Friday night if they want to go back to Dallas with a chance to end the series.