from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,
It is seven straight now without a goal for Nash, still one shy of 40 and now third in the league behind Alex Ovechkin’s 45 and Steven Stamkos’ 40. And if this slump — one goal in the past 10 and two in the past 14 — were almost inevitable, it raises uncomfortable questions at this time of year because of what happened last year (and the year before) in the playoffs.
It is the elephant in the room for the Blueshirts and for Nash, who is always diligent in all three zones, who always approaches matters with the utmost preparation and professionalism. But the record is indelible, at least until No. 61 can erase it, and that’s the record that shows Nash with three goals in the playoffs last year, all against Montreal, and four in 37 postseason games as a Ranger.
Given the spotlight (or is it, microscope?) under which he will operate from the opening puck drop of Game 1, it behooves the Big Easy to sprinkle one or two in the rest of the way so his mind is clear when the dance begins.
“That’s a good question,” Nash said to The Post in response to being asked how much of a goal-scoring slump becomes mental. “I want to stay positive, and be here for the team, but I know that me helping the team is by scoring.
“So, it’s frustrating, but I’m trying to stay positive and continue to do all of the things away from the puck and in the defensive zone that helps us win.
“It seems like I’m getting my opportunities. I’ve just got to stick with it.”
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