The New York Rangers have their eyes set on a Stanley Cup run this season after adding Eric Staal at the trade deadline. While adding Staal was a big move, success for the Rangers could rest on the performances of Henrik Lundqvist and Rick Nash over the next two months.
Lundqvist has been the main reason for the Rangers success over the last four years, and that has not changed heading into the playoffs. Nash has the chance to play an important role for the team after missing a significant amount of time with an injury. Nash had a career-high 42 goals last season, and if he can get that scoring touch back heading into the playoffs, the Rangers will be in strong position to make a Stanley Cup run.
Nash scored his first goal since coming back from a leg injury on Monday night, and that is a good sign for a Rangers team that needs an offensive boost. The combination of Lundqvist and Nash on Monday night showed what the Rangers can be when the two players are performing at a high level. Nash had a goal, while Lundqvist had 25 saves against the Florida Panthers in a 4-2 victory.
"It's no secret: It's been a grind the first five games after a long time away," said Nash. "Each game I'm just trying to do something to help the team and try to fit in."
Nash scored his 13th goal of the season in the game to help push the Rangers lead to 3-1 in the third period. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said that Nash's "play is on the right track" after the forward missed seven weeks with an injury. The addition of Staal has taken some pressure off of Nash and that could lead to some positive offensive results for the forward.
Viktor Stalberg, Mats Zuccarello and Tanner Glass were the other players to score for the Rangers on Monday night. The Rangers are now second in the Metropolitan Division behind the Washington Capitals after the win. The team has a two point lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins with nine games left on the schedule.
The Rangers were looking to bounce back from a tough performance after losing 4-1 against the San Jose Sharks over the weekend. Lundqvist bounced back on Monday after allowing four goals and getting pulled against the Sharks.
The game on Monday showed what Nash and Lundqvist mean for the team. If Nash can return to his scoring ways into the playoffs, and Lundqvist can continue being the best goalie in the league, the Rangers can be a true threat in the Eastern Conference.
