Nash Injury Early Damage To Rangers

The New York Rangers were hoping to get off to a good start under new head coach Alain Vigneault, particulary with Madison Square Garden renovations forcing the first nine game of the season to be played on the road. They certainly didn't need an injury to a major player to further complicate the scenario, but that's exactly what happened.

Winger Rick Nash suffered a concussion when he was hit by San Jose Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart in Tuesday night's game. Stuart was suspended for three games by league disciplanarian Brendan Shanahan, but Nash could be out 7-10 days. He's been sent back to New York for further evaluation.

MSG Network's John Giannone reported on Twitter that, at the very least, Nash will miss Thursday's game with Anaheim and Saturday's contest with St. Louis. The Rangers have just two games scheduled next week, Wednesday in Washington to play the Caps, and a big rivalry game with the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.

Nash has been the right wing on the Rangers top line, with Derek Stepan at center and Brad Richards on the left wing.  Instead of replacing Nash on the wing, Newsday's Steve Zipay reported that Vigneault switched up all but the fourth line in practice after the dysmal performance against the Sharks.

Brad Richards was back at center, not left wing, between Ryan Callahan and Benoit Pouliot, Brian Boyle was on the left of Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. Derek Stepan was between Jesper Fast and Taylor Pyatt. The fourth line of Dominic Moore, Arron Asham and Derek Dorsett remained intact.¹

1 - Newsday.com