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New York Rangers Not Hurt by Rick Nash’s Slow Scoring

By Dan Miceli

May 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash skates across the center ice logo before game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash skates across the center ice logo before game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Over the last two seasons, Rick Nash has been the center of an ufair amount of criticism. Between nagging injuries and a slower scoring pace, many have wondered if this is the same Rick Nash that netted 42 goals during the ‘14-15 season.

In Columbus, Nash was the go-to guy when it came to goal scoring. During his time as a Blue Jacket, he led the team in goals every year besides his rookie campaign. Perennial 30- goal scorers like Nash are incredibly rare in today’s NHL.

Nash continued his goal scoring success in his first three seasons in New York. He maintained his sniper status by leading the Rangers in goals three years in a row. Coming into the 2015-2016 campaign, it was the expectation that Nash would be the leader of a strong Rangers offense.

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Over the course of the ‘15-16 campaign, Nash netted only 15 goals and 21 assists in 60 games. Through 57 games played this season, the Canadian winger has been accounted for 28 points.

With these statistics below his career averages, many think that Nash’s best years are behind him.

However, Nash’s role has undergone a transition within the past two seasons. Instead of being a pure sniper, he has cemented himself as a reliable two-way forward.

This doesn’t come as a coincidence. The Rangers roster has gotten deeper in the scoring department, which puts less pressure on Nash to put up monster numbers.

Last season the Rangers had 10 players with 10 goals or more. To put that in perspective, the Pittsburgh Penguins only had eight players with 10 or more goals.

The 2016-17 season hasn’t been much different for the Rangers. Adding even more offensive depth in the offseason, eight players have already contributed 10 or more goals. At this rate, it isn’t crazy to say that 12 or more Rangers could find themselves in the double digits at season’s end.

Related Story: Counterpoint: Time to Trade Rick Nash is Now

Lots of observers simply don’t see these things big picture. While his goal-scoring total may not be as impressive as in previous years, Nash has been a key part of this Rangers team.

With so many scoring threats throughout the lineup, the Rangers have become a nightmare for defenses around the league. Part of this success comes from Nash being able to take pressure off of other players and lines. Teams have to make tough decisions when it comes to defending the Rangers.

If a team puts their top defensive unit against Nash’s line, so be it. A line with scoring threats like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider will get on the ice to play against the next defensive pair.

Next: New York Rangers’ Rick Nash and Derek Stepan’s Futures in Question

The ’16-17 squad is on pace to finish with the most goals per game since the 1993-1994 season. They just might be okay without Rick Nash putting up 30+ this year.

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