COLUMBUS Jackets' teens spreading cheer

Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev provide hope for the future.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A pair of 19-year-old players are making things fun and exciting for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Everyone knew what to expect from Rick Nash, the top overall pick in the 2002 draft who was a finalist for NHL rookie of the year last season. This week, the Blue Jackets and the rest of the league were introduced to fellow teenager Nikolai Zherdev.
Through secrecy and backroom politics, Zherdev was extricated from Russia and brought to Columbus under cover of darkness. Chosen No. 4 overall in this year's draft, he wasted no time getting into the lineup.
He took his first shift just seconds into Tuesday's game against Anaheim and had a scoring chance early on.
"We are in a little different situations, though we are the same age. It seems like he's having fun," said Nash, who scored his 16th goal Tuesday.
Almost goal
Zherdev assisted on Nash's 17th goal in a 4-2 loss to Nashville on Thursday and scored his first in the NHL. He almost had another earlier in spectacular fashion, but the goal was waved off because the net popped off its moorings.
"I feel a little bit sorry for myself," he said through an interpreter. "So I tried to prove to everybody that I could score."
Zherdev sneaked out of Russia and arrived in Columbus via private jet. His former team claims he left without fulfilling army obligations.
Moscow's CSKA professional team protested, but the NHL cleared him to play, saying there is no sufficient evidence that he has a responsibility to the Russian military.
Nash, who tied his goal total from his rookie season, is happy to have Zherdev around. After only one game, he was raving about his new teammate's talents.
"Oh, he looks good," Nash said. "It's a big jump to the NHL. It's going to take him a couple games to feel comfortable. He's an exciting kid to watch and I'm looking forward to it."
Nash was tied for second among rookies last season with 39 points. He has 20 through 25 games this season.
"I was worried at the start," Nash said. "That was the question that everyone was asking about -- the sophomore slump. I just didn't try to think about it.
"Lucky enough for me I got off to a quick start. I think that was the main thing, not to fall into a slump early. I'm sure I'll fall into a slump somewhere down the road. I don't think this can last the whole season."