Hartnett: New Father Nash Looks To Continue Hot Start When Rangers Play Isles

By Sean Hartnett
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Rangers winger Rick Nash has been unstoppable during the early stages of the season.

The veteran winger's well-documented struggles during last spring's playoffs seem very far in the past. Nash has tormented opposing defensemen with flashy moves and has unleashed constant fire on enemy goaltenders, as his four goals are tied for the league lead.

His resurgence on the ice has coincided with joy off the ice. On Monday, his wife, Jessica, delivered a healthy baby boy named McLaren. Nash said that the name is a family name that's been passed down. It also happens to be Rick's middle name.

"It's the best feeling in the world," Nash said following the Rangers' morning skate on Tuesday.

Nash left Sunday's game during the second intermission to be with his wife.

"In between the periods, her water broke," Nash said. "Everything worked out fine, so it's all positive."

The 30-year-old winger said he was able to go home on Monday night and recharge his batteries by getting an adequate amount of sleep.

NASH ENJOYS 'FUN GAMES' AGAINST RIVAL ISLES

On Tuesday night, Nash and the Rangers will be hosting an Islanders, who have won both of their games to start the season. Head coach Alain Vigneault described the Blue Shirts' longtime rivals as a team that greatly improved itself during the offseason.

Coming off a disappointing 2013-14 season, the Isles upgraded every area during the summer. General manager Garth Snow significantly augmented goaltender by acquiring Jaroslav Halak from the Washington Capitals and then signing him to a four-year contract. The Isles made two big splashes in free agency by luring speedy, intelligent forwards Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, but their biggest change came on the blue line, as the arrival of Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk has solidified what was once a shaky defense.

Already, Boychuk has proven to be dangerous on the power play, collecting four points in two games.

"Anyone who has taken a look at their team this year and taken a look at their first two games (knows) they've obviously improved their lineup. They've improved their defense, which improves their offense. They have a lot of skill up front," Vigneault said.

Nash said he, too, sees the Isles differently than in years' past.

"You look at the roster, they have a lot of skill," Nash said. "They've got a lot of speed, especially on their back end as well. It's a fun game. I've learned over the past two years, these games are the most fun to play in."

With a win and two losses to start the season, the Rangers have gotten off to a disappointing start and have lacked cohesion. Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh described the team as "out of sync" following Sunday's 6-3 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Nash said the Rangers studied video on Tuesday morning in an attempt to get on the same page.

"W're getting an idea of what areas we've got to fix," Nash said. "One being our forecheck. We've got to all be on the same page and correct it for tonight."

The Rangers have looked particularly unorganized in their own end in the early going.

"To get the puck back, you have to have five guys on the same page, five guys working together," Vigneault said. "We're not where we need to be right now."

ZUCCARELLO RETURNS, MALONE AND KOSTKA SET FOR DEBUTS

Winger Mats Zuccarello missed Sunday's game due to an apparent shoulder injury. Zuccarello suffered the injury on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 5-foot-7 winger went straight down the tunnel after colliding with Blue Jackets forward Alexander Wennberg late in the first period. Initially, the injury appeared serious as Zuccarello's right arm was hanging.

Zuccarello participated in Tuesday's morning skate with a full-contact jersey. Vigneault confirmed that Zuccarello, forward Ryan Malone and defenseman Mike Kostka will be inserted into Tuesday's lineup. Forwards Jesper Fast and J.T. Miller and defenseman Matt Hunwick will be scratched.

"Zucc is fine, so he'll be back in," Vigneault said. "We're going to get a look at Malone here. He's been with us since day one, hasn't played a game yet. So, we're going to put him in the lineup tonight and use him on the power play and see what happens."

Malone described his game as "nothing too fancy." The 6-foot-4, 224 pound forward is known for being an imposing, physical player in front of net.

"I try to keep it simple, just try to make good reads and throw the body around a little bit," Malone said. "Do whatever it takes to win, nothing too fancy. Every time you go over the boards, you want to create chances and help out the game in positive way."

Vigneault said his decision to scratch Hunwick was part of an early numbers game. Two defensemen likely on a short leash are John Moore and Kevin Klein.

"It's not because Hunwick has played poorly," Vigneault said. "Some guys are getting the benefit of the doubt right now. Hopefully, they'll get their games together."

Vigneault shuffled his forward lines during practice, with Zuccarello lining up on the right side of a line centered by rookie Kevin Hayes with Carl Hagelin on the left.

Morning skate lines and defensive pairings:

Forward lines: Duclair-St. Louis-Nash, Kreider-Brassard-Stempniak, Hagelin-Hayes-Zuccarello, Malone-D.Moore-Glass

Defensive pairings: McDonagh-Girardi, Staal-Kostka, J. Moore-Klein

Goalies: Lundqvist (starter), Talbot

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey

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