Rangers left wing Rick Nash has gotten off to such a hot start this season, with seven goals in six games, that it has barely mattered which center he shares the top line with as starter Derek Stepan recovers from a preseason leg injury. On Sunday, it turned out to be 22-year-old rookie Kevin Hayes.

“I didn’t know much about him, didn’t know much about his game,” Nash said after chipping in a goal in the Rangers 4-0 win over San Jose on Sunday. “We talked a lot before the game and during the game, and I think that helped...