Rick Nash

[Jersey Girl]

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 find that quote to be odd, unless it's totally taken out of context, or we don't have the complete quote.

That said, I think AV is a very smart man, he knows Nash (and all of his players) MUCH better than we do, and what makes them tick. And he knows which buttons to push. Doesn't mean it's guaranteed to work - the responsibility rests ultimately with the player - but it's what AV thinks is best.

Who knows, maybe the quote came right after AV and Arniel ripped Nash a new one in a meeting, and threatened to sit him in game two if he doesn't up his compete level. We (me included) act like we know all the coaching that's going on, but we really see and are aware of a very small percentage.

 

[aufheben]

Our best player? lul

 

[Thirty One]

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.

I don't think you can find stats that would suggest that getting shots on goal isn't a good thing, or stats that suggest that shooting percentage isn't widely variable.

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

I'm assuming Vigneault was asked about Nash. Keeping quiet about it would have been very awkward at that point.

Jonathan Toews scored 1 goal in his first 20 games and 63 shots of last year's playoffs. Luckily, he scored in Games 4 and 6 of the Finals to regain his clutch status. Tyler Seguin wasn't so fortunate. Shooting 1.4% was clearly an immature thing to do, so it got him traded.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I don't think you can find stats that would suggest that getting shots on goal isn't a good thing, or stats that suggest that shooting percentage isn't widely variable.

Theres an awful lot of real estate between "hes getting shots and thats a good thing" and "hes been our best player"

 

[OverTheCap]

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.

And this coddling and preferential treatment in Columbus is why some insiders and analysts believe he is struggling to perform under pressure in the playoffs.

 

[Jersey Girl]

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.

LOL in other news, it's been statistically confirmed the Jets actually have a plan at QB, Eli Manning has thrown the fewest interceptions in the NFL the last two years, the Mets lead MLB in spending, the Yankees are the youngest team in the majors, James Dolan worked hard to get where he is, the Islanders are not a circus act, Isiah Thomas was the best GM in the history of the NBA, Donald Sterling has a brain, Michael Sam is dating Kate Upton (not that there's anything wrong with it), the SEC is the worst conference in college football, Johnny Manziel hates attention, Roy Hibbert is short, the NFL would still be just as huge if nobody bet on sports, Corsi matters, Coach Taylor never actually went to Philadelphia, NBA refs don't favor the home team, NASCAR is exciting, and water isn't wet,

 

[Thirty One]

LOL in other news, it's been statistically confirmed the Jets actually have a plan at QB, Eli Manning has thrown the fewest interceptions in the NFL the last two years, the Mets lead MLB in spending, the Yankees are the youngest team in the majors, James Dolan worked hard to get where he is, the Islanders are not a circus act, Isiah Thomas was the best GM in the history of the NBA, Donald Sterling has a brain, Michael Sam is dating Kate Upton (not that there's anything wrong with it), the SEC is the worst conference in college football, Johnny Manziel hates attention, Roy Hibbert is short, the NFL would still be just as huge if nobody bet on sports, Corsi matters, Coach Taylor never actually went to Philadelphia, NBA refs don't favor the home team, NASCAR is exciting, and water isn't wet,

[citations missing]

 

[mandiblesofdoom]

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.

Could the falling down be an affect of concussions or other injury?

I remember when he first got here - he was strong on his skates. He could muscle around the D-man and go to the goal and dangle and deke and score. Reminded me a little of Mario Lemieux with the long reach and netfront presence and touch.

Now we never see that.

If the changes in his game are due to concussion, or fear of more concussions, I can't criticize him.

Plus, as others have said, his line did OK in the Pitt series.

But I really wonder if he is falling down more. Seems like it.

 

[Thirty One]

Theres an awful lot of real estate between "hes getting shots and thats a good thing" and "hes been our best player"

Yes, there is. I don't think AV really believes that Nash has been the Rangers best player. But he's recognizing that he's playing well, at least.

 

[Pizza]

Yes, there is. I don't think AV really believes that Nash has been the Rangers best player. But he's recognizing that he's playing well, at least.

I heard Pierre mention the other day that Nash has lost PP time to Kreider. Have not checked stats so don't know if true.

 

[Inferno]

Yes, there is. I don't think AV really believes that Nash has been the Rangers best player. But he's recognizing that he's playing well, at least.

the thing is...im not sure who youd say our best player is outside of henrik.

im not going to go back and look at the quote but im guessing he said skater no tplayer right?

so who is the best player?

Brad Richards? I guess? But really he hasnt done much himself...hes got 9 points but is he generating tons of scoring chances? or is he finding himself wide open in the slot with a gaping net to shoot at? im trying to remember most of his points here...i know he had like 3 or 4 in one game, mostly on the PP...one was a goal i think that went clean in? the others were assists, one a beauty to stepan which was a TREMENDOUS pass. He again found himself wide open in front of the net and Hagelin got a great pass to him.

but is he being a difference maker outside of "10 seconds of play" id say no....hes had a few opportunities and the pucks have gone in for him. so he goes from having about 10 seconds of good play which has led him to leading our team in points.

who else? stepan? he's had probably 3 VERY Good games the entire playoffs, and other than that, hes been mediocre at best.

MSL? Again, maybe 10 seconds of good play that have paid off...really his best plays he hasnt been rewarded on...that pass to Kreider was a beauty.


Kreider/ Way too small a sample size. but yeah, hes been really good.

any defenseman really standing out/ I'd say Staal probably has been our best defenseman, but he doesnt have any points yet does he?

You could then look at the obvious...the Zucc line. Id say Brassard has been the best player on that line, and probably our best player all playoffs, but he too has had some mighty cold games.

Pouliot has been really good, but hes also taken some horrible penalties.

Zucc has been off and on...id say hes probably been the weakest player on his line, but again, its a very strong line and all 3 are playing well.


the thing here to note is that the only line that is really producing is also the only line where all 3 players are playign well. no one player is carrying that line single handedly. the rest of the lines are hit or miss, and usually only 1 player on any given night on said line is playing very well, the other 2 are usually somewhere between "blah" and "meh".

So sayign Nash has been our best player is probably not that far fetched, particularly if youre looking at advanced stats, detailed tape and matchup breakdowns, and combine it with how his linemates have looked relative to him.

IMHo id say this playoffs Brassard has probably been our best skater, followed by Pouliot, then MZA, then I'd probably go with Nash.

 

[Zil]

The one thing Nash has going for him in this series is that for once his line won't be matched against an absolute monster center. The Stepan line was AV's preferred matchup going against both Crosby and Giroux. Montreal doesn't have anyone on that level, which should (key word should) translate into more offense from the Stepan unit. I also think the return of Kreider's size and speed gives Nash more room to operate.

 

[Inferno]

I heard Pierre mention the other day that Nash has lost PP time to Kreider. Have not checked stats so don't know if true.

it is, because they play 2 very different games.

really nash has lost PP time to MSL...MSL has taken his spot on that halfboard where he usually plays. Nash and MZA used to play those spots, now its MSL and MZA...but really who cares...if the team is winning and playing well on the PP i highly doubt Nash gives a flying frak his pp time has gone. you can tell the guy wants to win badly....its really obvious in the ways hes trying to produce away from the puck.

 

[Inferno]

The one thing Nash has going for him in this series is that for once his line won't be matched against an absolute monster center. The Stepan line was AV's preferred matchup going against both Crosby and Giroux. Montreal doesn't have anyone on that level, which should (key word should) translate into more offense from the Stepan unit. I also think the return of Kreider's size and speed gives Nash more room to operate.

its possible...the thing is though, that Montreal has a damn good transition game...rangers gotta be aware of that...particularly the high wingers, which it seems has been nash almost every time.

 

[Jersey Girl]

IMHo id say this playoffs Brassard has probably been our best skater, followed by Pouliot, then MZA, then I'd probably go with Nash.

Wow. I must be watching different games. Perhaps you and I are on totally opposite sides at the Garden watching the games.

 

[jniklast]

the thing is...im not sure who youd say our best player is outside of henrik.

im not going to go back and look at the quote but im guessing he said skater no tplayer right?

so who is the best player?

Brad Richards? I guess? But really he hasnt done much himself...hes got 9 points but is he generating tons of scoring chances? or is he finding himself wide open in the slot with a gaping net to shoot at? im trying to remember most of his points here...i know he had like 3 or 4 in one game, mostly on the PP...one was a goal i think that went clean in? the others were assists, one a beauty to stepan which was a TREMENDOUS pass. He again found himself wide open in front of the net and Hagelin got a great pass to him.

but is he being a difference maker outside of "10 seconds of play" id say no....hes had a few opportunities and the pucks have gone in for him. so he goes from having about 10 seconds of good play which has led him to leading our team in points.

who else? stepan? he's had probably 3 VERY Good games the entire playoffs, and other than that, hes been mediocre at best.

MSL? Again, maybe 10 seconds of good play that have paid off...really his best plays he hasnt been rewarded on...that pass to Kreider was a beauty.


Kreider/ Way too small a sample size. but yeah, hes been really good.

any defenseman really standing out/ I'd say Staal probably has been our best defenseman, but he doesnt have any points yet does he?

You could then look at the obvious...the Zucc line. Id say Brassard has been the best player on that line, and probably our best player all playoffs, but he too has had some mighty cold games.

Pouliot has been really good, but hes also taken some horrible penalties.

Zucc has been off and on...id say hes probably been the weakest player on his line, but again, its a very strong line and all 3 are playing well.


the thing here to note is that the only line that is really producing is also the only line where all 3 players are playign well. no one player is carrying that line single handedly. the rest of the lines are hit or miss, and usually only 1 player on any given night on said line is playing very well, the other 2 are usually somewhere between "blah" and "meh".

So sayign Nash has been our best player is probably not that far fetched, particularly if youre looking at advanced stats, detailed tape and matchup breakdowns, and combine it with how his linemates have looked relative to him.

IMHo id say this playoffs Brassard has probably been our best skater, followed by Pouliot, then MZA, then I'd probably go with Nash.

What about our defense? I'd say Staal, Stralman and even Girardi have been better than all of our forwards.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

IMHo id say this playoffs Brassard has probably been our best skater, followed by Pouliot, then MZA, then I'd probably go with Nash.

Boyle? Moore? Hagelin? Richards and MSL have produced more, especially lately.

Those 4th liners have been better than Nash even without factoring in the much larger expectations that Nash should have to be scoring goals...the # of which, I feel I keep having to remind you, is 0.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

People are acting like Nash is snakebitten.

He's not. He's just not competing to win battles in his own end.

Nash has been reduced lol. It's no longer a question of how many games he will dominate, or how many shifts he'll dominate. He's now expected to just breathe, lace his skates up, and have a pulse.

If Nash ever gets a breakaway or a 2-on-1 chance, the GDT will be derailed for 54 minutes.

 

[Thirty One]

I heard Pierre mention the other day that Nash has lost PP time to Kreider. Have not checked stats so don't know if true.

He has.

When Callahan got injured, Pouliot took his spot in front of the net on the powerplay, and thrived. When Callahan got back there was no spot for him. When Kreider broke his hand and St. Louis was acquired for Callahan, Nash moved from the right wall to the front of the net with the man advantage. When Kreider came back he took his spot back.

I've never considered Nash to be a very good powerplay player, anyways. He's great at creating chances for himself, but the powerplay is about utilizing the open space as a group of five.

 

[jerseyjinx94]

Guys we're in the ECF. Let's get behind our players and push for the Cup. If Nash scores 0 goals but plays well defensively and we win the Cup I don't care. It's a team game. If he doesn't score and we lose we can criticize him then.

 

[aufheben]

Wut. What exactly has Nash done to make him better than MSL and Richards so far? Or even Boyle and Moore for that matter?

Boyle? Moore? Hagelin? Richards and MSL have produced more, especially lately.

Those 4th liners have been better than Nash even without factoring in the much larger expectations that Nash should have to be scoring goals...the # of which, I feel I keep having to remind you, is 0.

Relative to their role on the team, who has been worse than Nash?

 

[Section 409]

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....

Regarding the bold, this is ridiculous. Those chances are that, chances. They didn't "go" anywhere. That's where he put them these excuses are just laughable now.

The one where he put it through the crease was embarrassing, and that is being generous.

 

[Section 409]

the thing is...im not sure who youd say our best player is outside of henrik.

i
So sayign Nash has been our best player is probably not that far fetched, particularly if youre looking at advanced stats, detailed tape and matchup breakdowns, and combine it with how his linemates have looked relative to him.

IMHo id say this playoffs Brassard has probably been our best skater, followed by Pouliot, then MZA, then I'd probably go with Nash.

I love how we say the pucks just "go in" for Richards and for Nash "they just don't". It's just denial, absolute denial, one guy comes through and the other doesn't.

 

[jniklast]

Like I said, when discussing the best player (outside of Hank) you have to include the defense. And I'd say our top-4 has collectively been better than Nash surely.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

I saw the AV quote as our "top" not "best" player and it was top regarding scoring chances as charted by the coaching staff. If the quote I saw was right that's just a statement of fact. He's had the most scoring chances. The fact that you couple that with zero goals can suggest he's been one of the worst players.