New York Rangers: Rick Nash A Part of Early Success
The New York Rangers are off to a good start this season, and forward Rick Nash is happy to be a part of their success.
New York Rangers forward Rick Nash has had an interesting career so far in New York. Despite having some great regular seasons in New York, Nash has let the organization down in the playoffs.
For the Rangers, it has been Stanley Cup or bust in recent years, and that is something that they haven’t accomplished. Despite many believing that the championship window has closed, the Rangers are playing great this season. For Nash, he was very unsure whether or not he would be with the team next season.
“No doubt there was a concern,” Nash told Larry Brooks of The New York Post. “I love the Rangers, my wife and I love New York, and there’s no place else that I want to play, but I understand the business side of it.
In addition to the struggles in the postseason, the Rangers were trying to shed some salary this offseason. The large cap hit of Nash would have allowed the Rangers to have more flexibility this offseason, but the offseason moves made they have made have looked good so far.
“And I know that if you’re an expensive player, you have to perform. If you don’t, you could be moved. I knew that. And I appreciate the fact that they didn’t trade me and had the confidence to bring me back.”
Nash has been playing well this season alongside rookie Jimmy Vesey, who is off to a great rookie season. Vesey has credited Nash and Derek Stepan for helping his transition to the NHL to be a successful one so far.
“Rick knows the game so well. It seems like every time I’m open he puts it on my stick,” said Vesey to Brooks. “With Step, we’re all skilled players and for me, playing with two veteran guys like that, they’re always talking about what we can try, what kind of plays we can make. It’s been great.”
As a veteran, Nash has praised Vesey, who he says reminds him a lot of himself. Like Vesey has been so far, Nash was an excellent scorer as a young player for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“Jimmy brings a lot of energy to the line,” Nash said to Brooks. “I think in a lot of ways we’re the same type of player — offensive guys with skill who use our bodies to create space.” “You know, I look at Jimmy, and I remember how it was when I started my career [in 2002-03]. It comes full circle, and it comes real fast.”
Nash is one of the main contributors so far for what has been a balanced offense for the Rangers. If Nash continues to play well for the Rangers, they will be in great position for a successful season.
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