Boston Bruins: Veteran center Riley Nash having best season of career

Veteran center Riley Nash has been performing exceptionally in his second season with the Boston Bruins.

Riley Nash has never been known as a flashy player. He doesn’t have the insane scoring ability of a guy like Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak. This season though he has been an important player for the Boston Bruins.

Nash has a similar style to Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron. He is a two-way forward who is able to do all the little things.

Nash doesn’t put up big scoring numbers and isn’t making a “highlight reel” player. Last season with the Bruins he only had 7 goals and 10 assists. He has already eclipsed that point total this season in half the games.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
• Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win

Nash has 5 goals and 14 assists on the season so far. He has been the staple of one of the Bruins best lines. Alongside another veteran David Backes, and rookie Danton Heinen, the line has been a great asset to the Bruins. They focus on getting the puck deep and aren’t afraid to get in the corners and fight for the puck.

Nash also has some stats that show how he is an effective two-way player. He is behind only Patrice Bergeron in faceoff wins (245), he has blocked 40 shots at even strength (ranking first for forwards), and Nash leads Bruins forwards in TOI on the penalty kill averaging two minutes per game.

The play the personifies Nash

There has been one play this season that embodies Nash’s style of play. It came against the Ottawa Senators. Nash blocked a shot from Erik Karlsson, sped down the ice and was able to score a goal.

The Bruins have been able to use Nash and their third line to their advantage. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy has entrusted them with going up against team’s top lines. We saw this in the Bruins last game when at times Cassidy would put Nash out against Tyler Seguin and the Dallas Stars first line.  This will be big cause then the Bruins first line can go out against lesser talent.

Next: Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron will one day have his number retired

Nash is going to have the best season of his career. He is going to eclipse his points total and should have his best rating of his career. He is part of a line that will help the Bruins make a serious run for the Stanley Cup. Wow didn’t expect to say that when the season started.