The New York Rangers may have Rick Nash back on the ice within two weeks after the forward was able resume skating following a leg injury. Nash has been out since January, but he could rejoin the team in practice this week.
Nash has been out with a bone bruise injury that he suffered on Jan. 22 against the Carolina Hurricanes. The forward was expected to be out "day-to-day" with the injury, but instead he missed the last 19 games for the Rangers. Nash skated two days in a row last Thursday and Friday after being held out of workouts since February. He also participated in workouts on Monday.
Coach Alain Vigneault said last week that Nash should be able to return to the "team in 10 days to two weeks." Nash will not be travelling with the team when they play the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, but he could return as soon as this weekend. He did not rule out playing this weekend, saying that Monday was a "positive day" on the ice.
Vigneault spoke about Nash after the Rangers 6-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Sunday, saying that the forward could "begin practicing" with the team this week. Nash potentially could return during the upcoming West Coast road trip for the Rangers, which includes games against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings.
Before being able to skate on Thursday, Nash had not been able to participate in any workouts for the team since Feb. 2, when he felt discomfort in his leg after skating in practice. Nash has 33 points in 45 games played for the Rangers, including 12 goals scored. Last season, he had a career-best 42 goals for the Rangers, and the team will be looking for his scoring touch come playoff time.
"I thought it was going to be a day-to-day thing," Nash said. After the last time skating [Feb. 2], you knew it was more of a long-term injury . . . Seemed like it was one of those injuries that had to get worse before it got better. That was the case. We took our time and . . . today was a great step, skating and not feeling what I felt last time."
The addition of Eric Staal at the trade deadline has helped the Rangers overcome the loss of Nash. The forward could have a slightly different role when he returns with Staal now on the team. The Rangers may want to bring Nash along slowly to ensure he is ready for the playoffs, and that could put Staal on the ice more often for the time being.
Staal scored his first goal as a Ranger in the loss to the Islanders, and finished with a goal and an assist in the game on Sunday, scoring in the first period. The Rangers are second in the Metropolitan Division with 82 points this season and appear to be near-locks to make the playoffs.
