Zuccarello returns to Stars' lineup... only to leave again with potential injury!

We will start off with the positive news: the Dallas Stars clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference last night with a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. 

However, while forward Mats Zuccarello made a surprised and welcomed return to the Stars lineup last night, it was short-lived. 

Zuccarello suffered a broken arm blocking a shot on Feb. 24, a day after being acquired by the Stars from the New York Rangers. The 31-year-old was expected to miss about four weeks after undergoing surgery. Before breaking his arm and undergoing surgery on his injury, Zuccarello had a goal and an assist with a plus-3 rating in over 13 minutes of ice time in his Stars debut.

And so he was back last night, however, he left the lineup as quickly as he returned. 

Stars insider Sean Shapiro of The Athletic reported that Zuccarello did not take a shift since midway through third period and was not seen on the bench for the remainder of the game. After the Stars' victory, the veteran forward was seen walking into x-ray room after the game and did not meet with media members.

Head coach Jim Montgomery mentioned that Zuccarello was taken out of action for precautionary reasons and that the x-rays were part of that process. He also noted that it had nothing to do with his previously injured broken arm. 

We will have to keep an eye on Zuccarello, but seriously, the poor guy can't catch a break.