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Boston Bruins: Rick Nash making immediate impact

By Dave Stevenson |
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Rick Nash #61 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the first period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden on February 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 27: Rick Nash #61 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the first period of a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at TD Garden on February 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

In his first three games with the Boston Bruins, Rick Nash is showing why they paid a high price for him

The day before the NHL trade deadline, the Boston Bruins made a huge move. They gave up Ryan Spooner and a first-round pick, among other pieces, to acquire forward Rick Nash from the New York Rangers. It was a hefty price, but when you’re trying to win the Stanley Cup, the price is worth it.

In his first three games with the Bruins, Nash is proving why he commanded such a high price tag. When he’s on his game, he’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the NHL. Nash is more known for his scoring, but his two-way play has always been a strong part of his game.

Even though the Bruins lost his first game in black and gold on Sunday, he put up five shots on goal. Nash is at his best when he’s engaged and getting shots on goal. On Tuesday, Feb. 27, he stole the show against the Carolina Hurricanes.

In the first period, Nash showed off the two best parts of his game – his defense and scoring. Minutes after saving a goal with an amazing stick save, he scored his 19th goal of the season. This was also Nash’s 800th career NHL point.

On Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team Nash has killed during his career, he drove yet another stake into the Pens’ hearts. After getting the primary assist on David Krejci’s goal in the first period, he got one of his trademark greasy goals on the power play.

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Those are the kind of goals the Bruins will need from Nash in the postseason. Goals in the playoffs are usually hard to come by. You have to fight for every single one of them and Nash knows the best place to go to score is near the crease.

People usually remember Nash for his less than stellar performance in the 2013-14 postseason. However, 10 points in 25 games are hardly terrible. Since then, Nash has 23 points in 36 playoff games, showing he can get involved in the postseason.

With the Rangers, teams were able to hone in on him since he was their primary offensive threat. The Bruins, however, are a different story. Teams tend to focus on the Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand line (and for good reason). Nash should flourish on the second line, especially since Boston’s third line has proven to be quite deadly as well.

Next: 5 Trade Deadline Winners And Losers

The Bruins are getting a lot out of the crown jewel of their trade deadline right now. If Nash keeps this up, nobody in Boston will care about the price they paid because they’ll win a Stanley Cup.

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