The New York Rangers have won five games in a row. They are 7-0-2 in their last nine games, and are sitting atop the Metro Division. But yet the focus seems to be on Rick Nash, at least when it isn’t on Dan Girardi. Nash has just one goal thus far, and has drawn the ire of many fans. But I’m not all that concerned about Rick Nash. And neither should you.
We’ve discussed Nash here and there over the past month, mostly noting that he’s shooting well below his career average of 12.4% (he’s at just 3% now). He’s doing the right things, driving to the net, getting scoring chances, and creating offense for him and his teammates. It’s definitely a slump to start the season. That said, the process is there but the results, to date, have not.
Nash may be deferring the shot to start the season, as he’s averaging just 2.75 SOG per game, compared to his career average of 3.5 SOG per game. With Mats Zuccarello off to his hot start, Nash could be looking to set up the hot hand. Not exactly a terrible strategy.
Nash is one of the best even strength scorers in the game today. Even with this slump to start the year, he’s scoring at a 2.41 P/60 rate. Those ahead of him: Getzlaf, Benn, Crosby, Seguin, Hall, Perry, Tarasenko. That’s it among players with 2,000 minutes since 2012-2013. Nash is ahead of guys like Toews, Kane, and Malkin. Simply put, Nash at even strength is a monster.
Eventually Nash will start scoring again. He’s too good not to. His linemates are too good. He’s getting the zone starts. He’s pushing puck possession. He’s driving to the net. He’s just been unlucky to start the season. There are far bigger concerns with the team than Rick Nash.
Share:
More About:Players