New York Rangers: Rick Nash Really Loves The Third Period

It’s pretty safe to say that Rick Nash has been everything the New York Rangers had hoped they were bringing in when they acquired him last summer. Even if his linemates haven’t been living up to their own billing.

Nash has been stellar for the Rangers. He’s putting points on the stat sheet, whether they’re goals or assists and really making a difference out there, on nearly every shift he takes. This is especially true for the third period. Seriously, Rick Nash really loves stepping up when it matters most.

Of Nash’s 20 points this season, eight have come from goals scored. Of those eight goals, every single one has come during the third period. Obviously not every goal has come at a key moment, but it seems like when the Rangers need a key goal late, it’s been from Nash.

Earlier this week, Nash scored two goals in the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers. Those goals proved to be the difference as the Rangers won 4-2. Those two shots were Nash’s only recorded shots of the night.

On Thursday night, Nash did it again. He scored a goal in the third period against another division rival, the New York Islanders, to help force overtime late in the period. The Rangers would go on to win that one in the extra frame by a score of 2-1.

It really goes without saying that Nash has been a terrific pickup for the Rangers. But we’re going to say it anyway. He has a penchant for stepping up in the big moments for this team. Which should come in handy when the postseason rolls around. Of course, in order for the Rangers to get there, he’ll have to start scoring some more in the first two periods.