Rick Nash

[Ola]

I think some people here need to come to peace with the fact that some guys simply have bad years. You add that to the concussion impact and this is what we end up with.

He hasn't been as bad as his production indicates. In my view, his playoff production is on-par with his production last year (granted, he hasn't scored) but his defense is much better this year than last year.

Someone said he's hit, what 3 posts? I also agree that he's been robbed countless times by opposing goaltenders. To me, I've seen this level of snakebittenness (word?) happen all year for him. He makes a great pass to Stepan who's stoned by the goalie. He hits the post. He gets robbed himself.

To me, if he got average luck/bounces he would've scored 3-4 goals and we're probably not having this discussion (at this level, at least).

Guarantee he'll come back healthy and score 30-30 next year, ala Gaborik in his 3rd season here after a rough 2nd that was plagued by injuries.

Yeah, and after sleeping on it I think I should calm down a bit too. He is a 7.8m player who isn't scoring, people have been hanged for lesser crimes...

But the talk about how he "doesn't try", "is the worst player at X or Y", "he is playing like a 3rd lineer", how he should be scratched etc., I just don't even remotely agree with it.

AND, what gets me upset is that this reaction is a root of what always is wrong with this organization. Why? The way people react indicate what expectations they have. Ie a big name with a big salary will get the job done. We can keep signing big names to big salaries forever, but that is -- not -- what this game is about. Untill we realize what it is about, a lot of the same misstakes will be made over and over again.

Brad Richards is another example of this. He was maybe the best in the game in a very specific role (playing the right point on the PP in Tampa with a left handed playmaker in Lecavalier down low on his side and a right handed PPQB in Dan Boyle to the left of him , AND playing the right point on the PP in Dallas with a left handed playmaker in Riberio down low on his side and a right handed PPQB in Sergei Zubov to the left of him in (almost identical roles)). Then we bring him to NY to play with a left handed sniper (not a player maker) who can't move the puck around on the PP on his side (Gabby/Nash) and a left handed (not a right handed) D (not a true PPQB) to the left of him on the blueline. Suprise suprise the result was not what we expected.

Its like the 20th time in a row we do the above, and its always the same thing. The excuses are "sickning", the players we brought in the "worst ever".

You can question Brad Richards and Rich Nash's ability in relation to what they are paid and what not, sure, but at the same time -- newsflash -- this was the two guys we could have for the roles they have. Some make it sound like we turned down Toews and Kane to get them... I mean, like if we today could dump these two, who could we replace them with? Paul Statsny and Thomas Vanek/Moulson. I am sure those two would never have any problems. Not. With that said, I've never had a problem with anyone questioning the trade/signing (BR/Nash). I myself thought the BR signing was questionable and while I thought Nash in near time would be more of a force, I was the first to point out that we also gave up a ton to get him. Its the magnitud people take things too...

I think Nash has several issues. He had three concussions since coming here in three years. That has had an impact, he reduced his hitting with like 90%. Its a *****. Many players have however been able to come back from it though after some time. He also reminds me a lot of a struggling Ferando Torres in Chelsea. Ie a player who got an extra gear that most only can dream about, but that just is a bit clumpsy and fumbles a lot with the puck.

But the game played right now is a team game that is about momentum. Its ridiculous to think in terms of player x who is 0+5 must be as valuble as player y who has 0+5. The attention and focus that Nash gets as well as his play is undoubtedly a major factor in his line being a plus line that has faired very well in terms of winning momentum against the toughest match-ups of Philly and Pittsburgh.

 

[Hi ImHFNYR]

most of nashs goals are breakaways/cherrypicking. he's not doing that because hes trying to play a sound defensive game. its just so obvious out there watching him.

he used to be jaromir jagr like in his defensive play..ie completely nonexistant.

now, for the playoffs, hes decided to do a complete 180 and focus solely on defense.

i dont get it...but i can see it.

i think when the goals finally start coming for him, they will come in droves...i just hope its this playoff series. we've seen nash be good enough to single handedly carry a team for a stretch...we could really use that.

He's still a player who has made things happen in the offensive zone and he isn't doing that now. Once he is in the O-zone with full possession of the puck AND his linemates around him then the explanation that "He's focusing on D" doesn't explain it. I'm in the camp that many people are exaggerating how bad he's been but he definitely has struggled for no particular reason to go to the slot and to the net and he's had way too many perimeter plays that accomplish nothing. With this being the case I have to say that a lionshare of his goal scoring problem is on him and him alone even though ola and others like yourself have pointed to other factors too. It's not 100% on him and I like a lot of what he's done and I think he's had 4 real good PO games even though he didn't score a goal in them

The size and type of game played by Montreal is very different from what philly and Pitt were doing. I am hoping he will be able to exploit Montreal a bit more. If he draws Subban and the top D pair then maybe not but it'll open another F line like the MSL or Zuke line

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Ola you make good points as usual.

Edit - Although I will say, the previous role argument carries a lot more weight with BR than Nash. Rangers aren't asking Nash to take on a new role or do things he hasn't done. He near individually carried a line in Columbus avging 30-30. If he's still doing that he would be getting a lot less flack. It's not like he was a product of his old environment previously. Carry one line, make up the rest with the depth the team now has.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

The attention and focus that Nash gets as well as his play is undoubtedly a major factor in his line being a plus line that has faired very well in terms of winning momentum against the toughest match-ups of Philly and Pittsburgh.

Ive made this point and I think you're right.

Still, 0 goals and being a diversion for a guy with a $7.8M cap hit that cost the team 4 assets is beyond unacceptable. Thats the bottom line.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

I feel like he will break out at any moment, and go Hulk on us. I won't give up on him.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

most of nashs goals are breakaways/cherrypicking. he's not doing that because hes trying to play a sound defensive game. its just so obvious out there watching him.

he used to be jaromir jagr like in his defensive play..ie completely nonexistant.

now, for the playoffs, hes decided to do a complete 180 and focus solely on defense.

i dont get it...but i can see it.

i think when the goals finally start coming for him, they will come in droves...i just hope its this playoff series. we've seen nash be good enough to single handedly carry a team for a stretch...we could really use that.

Thats quite a crock. He was brought in to score goals.

He really hasn't "decided" to focus on defense. He really has no choice since his offensive game is such a debacle. On the offensive side of the puck, he looks like the NBA players from Space Jam after their talent was sucked away.

 

[Jersey Girl]

It's shocking how easily Nash is bumped off the puck these days. I just don't get it, he never used to play like that. Now if the opposing team applies virtually any pressure whatsoever, he quickly coughs up the puck.

He's also no longer strong on his skates - amazing how often he falls down while trying to control the puck under pressure. Weird.

 

[OverTheCap]

In Game 7 against the Pens, and at other times throughout the playoffs, he looked terrified to take a hit. He backs up or takes a bad angle shot when he is approached by a defender.

I'm sure his previous concussion issues are still on his mind, but the question remains why he was able to put these concerns aside against Columbus and a few other opponents this season but is unable to do the same in the playoffs. If there's one time to put the nerves aside and play without fear, it's now.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

In Game 7 against the Pens, and at other times throughout the playoffs, he looked terrified to take a hit. He backs up or takes a bad angle shot when he is approached by a defender.

I'm sure his previous concussion issues are still on his mind, but the question remains why he was able to put these concerns aside against Columbus and a few other opponents this season but is unable to do the same in the playoffs. If there's one time to put the nerves aside and play without fear, it's now.

I think the concussions are an issue, but the more I watch Nash, the more it becomes evident that hes just not a versatile hockey player. He is a very, very good regular season goal scorer - with most of those goals coming when he can use his speed on the rush and his great hands to make a play. I dont think he has a particularly good shot, and his playmaking skills surely leave something to be desired. His strengths, pretty much by default, get taken away in playoff hockey.

The rub is that in order to became a better-rounded and more versatile player, he has to be willing to take a bit of a beating. Are the concussions preventing him from doing that? Probably, to a degree. But man, this guy - with such immense talent - really fell into some bad habits playing with a terrible Columbus team for a decade.

 

[RangersFan]

Guy is shooting from everywhere and that's not a good thing. The drought is affecting the way he plays with the puck. So many terrible weak shots with no chance of scoring instead of dishing the puck and trying to create something with his linemates. Stepan hasn't helped him much either. Hopefully with kreider settling in the line will get going. Get this guy an empty net goal ASAP. He really needs to get the monkey off his back more than any player I've seen.

 

[NYRKindms]

Nash just doesn't want to try hard.

All season we were blasting him. Canadian Olympic team drops Nash's name and the effort level immediately picks up

Olympics over he goes right back to lack of effort

Playoffs come around. The only 2 really noticable physical games from Nash come in Game 7 of the philly series and game 6 and 7 against Pitt.

Nash's lack of goal scoring is alarming but to me it is a bigger issue that the guy obviously has effort issues. He is a lazy player plain and simple.

I would much rather have guys who bust their ass but might not be as talented vs. a lazy all world talent.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

@jthomson22 @rangersreport Alain Vigneault said the coaching staff has recorded chances all postseason and that Rick Nash "has been our best player."

 

[OverTheCap]

@jthomson22 @rangersreport Alain Vigneault said the coaching staff has recorded chances all postseason and that Rick Nash "has been our best player."

The coddling continues. Can't wait for Nash to be our captain next year.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

@jthomson22 @rangersreport Alain Vigneault said the coaching staff has recorded chances all postseason and that Rick Nash "has been our best player."

Really dont know what this accomplishes. Either light a fire under the guy's ass or keep quiet about it

I'd like to see the full quote - I'd imagine its quantified by # of shots or something

 

[Thirty One]

Alain Vigneault: noted fan of -31-'s work

 

[Inferno]

Alain Vigneault: noted fan of -31-'s work

count me in.

FWIW yours is the only fan blog i read other than this board.

really good stuff bro.

 

[Inferno]

Really dont know what this accomplishes. Either light a fire under the guy's ass or keep quiet about it

I'd like to see the full quote - I'd imagine its quantified by # of shots or something

i think the rangers coaching staff probably dig a LITTLE deeper than...# of shots.

he's hit what...3 goal posts? put one puck right through the crease? crashed the net to start game 5 or 6 against pitt with 3 chances in front?

selective memory by a lot of ppl. 0 goals MUST mean he's thrown every shot from the blueline on his backhand as a dump in.

again...he can be MUCH better, but the degree of his failure has been grossly exaggerated by a number of people here.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

i think the rangers coaching staff probably dig a LITTLE deeper than...# of shots.

he's hit what...3 goal posts? put one puck right through the crease? crashed the net to start game 5 or 6 against pitt with 3 chances in front?

selective memory by a lot of ppl. 0 goals MUST mean he's thrown every shot from the blueline on his backhand as a dump in.

again...he can be MUCH better, but the degree of his failure has been grossly exaggerated by a number of people here.

Yes. Sure. You're referencing about 10 seconds of his play in 2 playoff rounds but I am the one with selective memory.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Good news is if you can find stats that lead to the conclusion that Rick Nash has been the best New York Ranger, you can find stats for anything.

 

[OverTheCap]

Really dont know what this accomplishes. Either light a fire under the guy's ass or keep quiet about it

I'd like to see the full quote - I'd imagine its quantified by # of shots or something

I presume it's to give him a confidence boost. But it's worth noting that Nash played some of his best and most productive hockey under coaches like Hitchcock and Torts - coaches that demand a lot from their players. There's plenty of room for improvement in terms of Nash's play in the offensive zone and I fear a complimentary comment like that won't do much to challenge him to be better.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

Look, I get it. It's in line with society - "you're not a loser, Ricky. Just the last winner."

Nash isn't generating chances. He's not engaged. The effort he's shown in the neutral and dzones is not matched in the offensive zone.

Still, Montreal is a favorable matchup for him. If he doesn't score a goal and goes 20 or so games without a goal, then he sucks, he's weak, he's frail, he timid, and needs to go.

 

[Fitzy]

Alain Vigneault: noted fan of -31-'s work

 

[Inferno]

Yes. Sure. You're referencing about 10 seconds of his play in 2 playoff rounds but I am the one with selective memory.

uhh...those 10 seconds worth of plays go a quarter of an inch to the other side, we're talking about a guy with what, 4 goals 5 assists, 9 points in 14 games? leading the team in points? something like that?


so yeah, im, off the top of my head, referencing 10 seconds worth of play. i could also reference his diving block of a shot on the penalty kill to a wide open point guy in the flyers that saved a potential high quality scoring chance. i could also reference a few takeaways in the netural zone from strong backchecks against Giroux. There's a lot of good plays in there.

but again....

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

uhh...those 10 seconds worth of plays go a quarter of an inch to the other side, we're talking about a guy with what, 4 goals 5 assists, 9 points in 14 games? leading the team in points? something like that?


so yeah, im, off the top of my head, referencing 10 seconds worth of play. i could also reference his diving block of a shot on the penalty kill to a wide open point guy in the flyers that saved a potential high quality scoring chance. i could also reference a few takeaways in the netural zone from strong backchecks against Giroux. There's a lot of good plays in there.

Point is, you can reference a handful of good plays from any player for a team thats reached the conference finals if you try hard enough - and thats what you've done here.

Guess Im just a hater though for chastising the guy who was brought in here to score goals and has zero.

 

[Mikos87]

The coddling continues. Can't wait for Nash to be our captain next year.

He needs it. I'll trust AV to manage his team's personalities, as it was mentioned countless times that Nash was coddled for years in CLB. If that is what he's accustomed to, and feeling special gets him going, I am all for it.

Anything for the W.