Video: Penguins' Jason Zucker Injured After Scary Hit Into the Boards

Jason Zucker has some seriously bad luck. The Pittsburgh Penguins forward finally made his way back into the lineup after several months away from the team and in his first game back he had to be helped off the ice. Zucker was sent into the boards by Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala and ended up landing awkwardly, twisting up his feet.

You have to feel for Jason Zucker. I think many see athletes as somewhat machine-like. They're human. Can't imagine how frustrating this has been.
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) April 1, 2022

Zucker has missed 30 games due to a nagging core muscle injury that did require surgery and he's been chomping at the bit to get back on the ice with his Penguins teammates. It's ironic the injury occurred during a game against his former team the Minnesota Wild as it's been a bit of a struggle for the forward since arriving in Pittsburgh a couple of seasons ago. Zucker hadn't played since Jan. 17, when he made a return to the lineup that night after a lower body injury and was one again injured.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan commented on Zucker's status after the game and had this to say:

I don't have anything for you as far as where we are at. He is being evaluated as we speak. I feel for him. He's worked so hard to this point and I knew this game was an important one for him

Zucker did chip in with an assist on the game's opening goal and has 14 points in the 32 games he's dressed. Here's the play that will likely keep him out of the lineup for the foreseeable future:

Hoping Jason Zucker is ok after a nudge from Fiala put him off balance at the boards pic.twitter.com/baocsuRFF1
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) April 1, 2022