Fansided

Rick Nash will not play tonight against Colorado Avalanche

By Dave Stevenson

Oct 16, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) leaves the ice after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in a shoot-out at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) leaves the ice after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in a shoot-out at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Hurricanes 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash will not play in tonight’s match-up against the Colorado Avalanche due to a back injury suffered in practice. 

The New York Rangers will have to play tonight’s game against the Colorado Avalanche without star forward Rick Nash. Nash injured his back while participating in a shooting drill in practice on Thursday. The Rangers and Nash both hoped that rest and treatment would help his back loosen up, but that wasn’t the case.

Rick Nash is leading the 8-2-2 Rangers in shots on goal with 33. However, he hasn’t been too productive on the ice as far as scoring. He has just one goal and five assists this season in 12 games. Nash will be replaced in the Rangers lineup by forward Emerson Etem. The Rangers acquired Etem in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks that sent forward Carl Hagelin to Anaheim. Etem is prepared to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

"“You don’t want to see a guy go down, especially one with the all-around capability of Rick Nash,” Etem said. “I felt good on the line with [Brassard] and [Zuccarello] there, and whatever the case is I continue to prepare myself as if I am going to play the next game.” – NHL.com"

Without Nash, the Rangers could have a bit of trouble generating offense. That’s something that the Rangers have already been struggling to do this season, as they are tied for 12th in the NHL in goals scored. Etem has played in just three games so far this season and has one assist.

Rick Nash was the first overall pick of the 2002 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 874 career games in the NHL, Nash has 379 goals and 325 assists. He has appeared in six NHL All-Star games. The Rangers traded for Nash back in July of 2012.

Home/New York Rangers