DENVER — So the Rangers survived this first one without the injured Rick Nash, his absence perhaps creating more of a straight line, grinding mentality that paid off with a 2-1 victory over the Avalanche.
Nash was sidelined with a back problem that developed during Thursday’s practice when it locked up on him after he’d taken a shot.
“Rick had a good day and will have treatment during the game,” coach Alain Vigneault said before the Blueshirts increased their record to 9-2-2.