Hart Worthy? Rick Nash’s big season has him a likely candidate for league MVP.
AP Photo by Kathy Kmonicek/Getty Images

It’s been a while since the Rangers had a Hart winner. Jaromir Jagr came close in ’05-06 shattering single season franchise records in goals (54) and points (123). He finished second behind Joe Thornton, who produced 92 points in 58 games after being traded to the Sharks to win the Art Ross with 125 points. It’s one Jagr deserved for carrying a team into the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.

In their rich history, the Rangers only have one Hart winner in the last 54 years (’04-05 lockout excluded). Stanley Cup winning captain Mark Messier won the award in ’91-92 after leading the club to the NHL’s best record with 35 goals and 107 points. He became the first Ranger to win it since Andy Bathgate in ’58-59. However, the ending was bittersweet with the Penguins eliminating them in six games during the second round. Two years later, Messier led the Rangers to their first Cup in 54 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mUSDn0eS8

In 2014-15, Rick Nash is trying to become the second Blueshirt to win the award since Bathgate. During Monday’s exciting 6-3 win over the Panthers, he scored twice including a highlight reel shorthanded goal that tied him with Tyler Toffoli for the most shorthanded goals (4) in the league. His empty netter gave him number 31- tying Alexander Ovechkin for the league lead. Nash has played in two less games (48) compared to Ovechkin (50). Tyler Seguin ranks third with 28 in 49. Joe Pavelski and Steven Stamkos each have 27 in 51.

Currently, Nash has 31 goals and 15 assists totaling 46 points in 48. He leads the Rangers in goals (31), points (46), shorthanded goals (4), game-winners (5) shots (179) and is tied with Kevin Klein for the team lead in plus/minus (19). In games Nash scores, the Rangers are 18-6-0. In fact, they’ve won their last nine when Nash lights the lamp. For the season, they’re 22-7-3 when Nash registers a point. When he doesn’t, they’re 7-8-1.

On a team that doesn’t have many double digit scorers, Nash stands out. His 31 goals are 17 more than Martin St. Louis (12). Derick Brassard (12), Chris Kreider (11) and Carl Hagelin (10) are the other players to hit double figures. As a team, the Rangers have scored 143. Nash has accounted for 21.7 percent of their offense. For comparison, Ovechkin has 21.2 of the Caps’ offense. Pavelski comes in third at 19.1 on the Sharks.

In terms of value, the statistics support Nash’s candidacy. He drives the offense and has been equally as valuable defensively. Not only is he an MVP candidate but could draw inclusion for the Selke handed out to the league’s best forward. What works against him is that he isn’t a center. The award usually recognizes two-way play of centers who perform offensively and defensively. Recent examples are Pavel Datsyuk, Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews. Jere Lehtinen is the last wing to win the Selke doing so three times with the Stars.

In order to be considered, Nash must continue to perform at a high level. If he can approach 50 goals and win the Rocket Richard while leading the Rangers to a higher place in the standings, he should get serious consideration. At the moment, there’s plenty of competition from Ryan Getzlaf, Kane, John Tavares, Vladimir Tarasenko, Mark Giordano, Pekka Rinne and Carey Price. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin shouldn’t be discounted and neither should Ovechkin. It’s hard to gauge Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux unless the Flyers miraculously make the postseason.

I’ve never been a fan of giving the Hart to a goalie. We’ve seen Henrik Lundqvist nominated in 2011-12 due to his sensational Vezina season that included a division title and the East’s best record. In a year where there’s no clear cut favorite, plenty of observers are pushing for Price. His play has been brilliant. So has Rinne prior to an injury that sidelined him. Giordano merits inclusion if the Flames make it. The Norris front runner is having a special season.

Consistency is one factor. Strong finishes are another key. They can often sway voters. Look no further than Thornton after Boston traded him to San Jose. He turned their season around and went past Jagr for the scoring title. Corey Perry took home the award in 2010-11 with a tremendous finish. Ovechkin’s third Hart in ’12-13 was due to a similar torrid stretch.

As we get into the home stretch, that’s where the contenders will separate themselves from the pack. Like a marathon, some won’t be able to keep up. Thus far, Nash has given Ranger fans a lot to smile about. Finally healthy, he’s having a memorable year. A Rocket Richard and Hart would be a nice reward. Like his teammates, he has eyes on the ultimate prize.