There seems to be no argument over one fact when it comes to the Blue Jackets.
Riley Nash was much more comfortable -- and productive -- in year two than year one in union blue.
The team's big free agent signing in the summer of 2018 coming off a solid year on Boston's top line struggled in his first go-round in Columbus, posting just three goals and 12 points in 78 games.
But he was a solid postseason player and took that momentum and the comfort gained in Columbus into a solid second season. Nash was a dependable bottom-six center for the Blue Jackets this year, posting a 5-9-14 line in 70 games and finishing plus-6 while working as a key cog on the team's penalty kill.
Even more importantly, he was a defensive stalwart and calming influence while playing with NHL rookies on either side of him for much of the season. This year, 300 NHL forwards played at least 600 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey, per Natural Stat Trick, and Nash placed 12th in goals allowed by his team per 60 minutes and fourth in expected goals allowed.
That's one reason head coach John Tortorella said throughout the winter that Nash was playing his best hockey with the Blue Jackets.
"I think every guy will say they're not satisfied with their offensive numbers, whether it be you always think about the ones that you miss or the opportunities that you shank, I'll say," Nash said. "I'd definitely like to contribute a little bit more offensively, but I think the style of play that we're doing isn't very risky.
"You have to earn it each and every night, and you have to go about it the right way. If we can contribute regularly, that's a bonus too."
The Blue Jackets are scheduled to resume the season Sunday vs. Toronto in Game 1 of a five-game playoffs qualifying series, but for now, watch the video above for highlights from Nash's season.
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