The New York Rangers Need Rick Nash to Score

May 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals defenseman Tim Gleason (6) chases in the first period in game three of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

If the New York Rangers want any chance of a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, forward Rick Nash needs to score goals like he is paid to do.

After losing two games in a row at the Verizon Center to the Washington Capitals, Rick Nash hasn’t been able to find the back of the net since the dying seconds of Game Two in the first round of the playoffs. The goal Nash scored in Game Two was rather meaningless, as the New York Rangers would lose by one goal anyhow. Rangers fans have every right to be disappointed with his postseason play as a Ranger, as Nash has only put up 21 points in 46 playoff games.

In this year’s playoffs, Nash has 6 points in 9 games (1 goal, 5 assists) which is totally unacceptable for a player of his caliber.

Now why is he struggling to score?

First of all, Rick Nash is a terrific two-way player who can play any role he’s asked to be put in. With that being said offensively I personally believe Nash is getting to the areas where you score goals, but I think he isn’t confident enough with his shot.

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Just take a look at Nash. You truly always see an effort both offensively and defensively, but when it comes down to goal scoring he either passes up an ideal scoring opportunity or puts a shot into the goaltender’s chest.

Or is Nash just unlucky?

Nash being unlucky is somewhat part of it, but many shots he puts on the net are low quality chances or shots that make life too easy on a goaltender. Rangers fans have grown tired of hearing “Nash is getting closer to having a breakout game” for the past 40 previous playoff games. It’s time for Nash to step up as a leader and put the team on his back in the playoffs for once.

The full blame shouldn’t go towards Nash, however, because most of the other Rangers’ 11 forwards have been a major disappointment as well, offensively. Derick Brassard is really the only other forward who has shown up on the offensive side of the ice, scoring 5 goals so far in the 2015 NHL playoffs.

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The Rangers need their veteran players to take charge and lead on not just the defensive side of the ice, but the offensive side as well.

The bottom line is there is no possible way the Rangers can make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals, let alone the Third Round without Nash having a goal scoring impact on the offensive side of the ice.

Nash is slated to have a 7.8 million dollar cap hit for the next three seasons and with Rangers General Manager, Glen Sather, pulling the trigger on fearless trades in the past, Nash’s future with the Rangers could be in some doubt.

With the Rangers down 3-1 in the series against the Capitals, and with little hope left, the New York Rangers need Rick Nash to score.

Next: Why isn't All of Rangers Offense Working?

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