Rangers’ Mats Zuccarello couldn’t speak after taking slapshot to head

New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello has disclosed the extent of injuries he suffered after taking a slapshot to the head during a playoff game in April, underlining the often-overlooked dangers involving with vulcanized rubber being slapped around at speeds approaching 100 mph.

During Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 24, Zuccarello was hit in the head on a slapshot by teammate Ryan McDonagh.

The Rangers later announced Zuccarello was out indefinitely but did not disclose his injuries. There were reports the 27-year-old Norwegian had suffered a major concussion, but the team wouldn’t confirm it.

FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this story stated Zuccarello is Swedish. He is Norwegian.

During Monday’s team exit interviews, Zuccarello revealed he had suffered a fractured skull and a brain contusion. He also temporarily lost the ability to speak and move one of his arms.

“There was a small fracture in my head,” Zuccarello told reporters, according to the New York Daily News. “I lost my talking and some feeling in my arm and stuff. I was in the hospital for three days. I couldn’t talk for awhile. I had a contusion, some blood in my brain. That affects a lot.

“I went to speech therapy,” he continued. “I’m getting much better. I couldn’t say a word for four days.... I feel much better and I’m getting better and better.”

After Zuccarello’s comments, the Rangers posted on their Twitter account that he is expected to make a full recovery and should be ready for training camp in September. The team also said Zuccarello was skating on his own last week before Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.