The New York Rangers are major players in the Rick Nash sweepstakes, but they don't need the superstar right winger to win the Stanley Cup.
Right now, the Rangers are sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 37-14-5. They've won seven of their last 10, and although they fell to Chicago on Thursday, they're looking like a potential playoff juggernaut.
The Rangers are only allowing 2.0 goals per game, second best in the NHL. Before losing to the Blackhawks, they spanked Philadelphia, Washington and Boston in consecutive games. Against the Bruins, they shut out one of the league's most potent offenses. Henrik Lundqvist was dominant, saving a season-high 42 shots.
The Rangers are also playing well offensively, scoring 2.8 goals per game (11th in NHL). They're getting good production from current right wingers Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan, who have 49 and 43 points this season, respectively.
With this strong offensive output, the Rangers don't really need Nash. Yes, he's one of the best goal scorers in hockey. But they've already got quality wingers, and there's no need to risk their chemistry by shaking up the team.
Veteran Mike Rupp said he doesn't think bringing in Nash would ruin their chemistry, but he acknowledged that the team is pretty damn good as currently constructed.
“We’ve got a tight group and we all want to win, so if it’s something that will help the team, we’re all for it,” Rupp said. “But at the same time, we believe in what we’ve got here now.”
Like Rupp, I also believe in the Nash-less Rangers. They're scoring at a high rate, playing stifling defense and carrying themselves with the swagger of a true Stanley Cup contender.
Would Nash boost an already successful offense? Probably. But do the Rangers need him to win the title this season? At this point, the answer is a resounding "no."
Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton Josh Bailey Mark Eaton Trent Hunter
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