With so much criticism about his play this year, Thursday night's impressive performance may have eliminated the doubt in Columbus' captain Nick Foligno.
On Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils, the winger scored a hat-trick and added an assist. He has nine goals this season, but also had 23 assists, which is near the top for his team.
That is extremely impressive considering the fact he is no longer playing with a star center. It seemed that the reason for his success last season is because of current Nashville Predators' center Ryan Johansen.
Last year and the year before, Columbus say a different and more productive Nick Foligno. He was in the top 30 in point production, alongside Joey. The difference this year is he not with him and has new line mates . With John Tortorella coming in, the captain has been on the third line with William Karlsson and Matt Calvert.
Sure he is less productive players, but look at how else he is utilized. He is used on the penalty kill and the power play. He is one of Columbus' most important players. He is a leader, a performer, and underrated on team whose spotlight and recognition is on players the Jackets acquired in Brandon Saad and Seth Jones.
What are your thoughts on the captain? How do you feel he has adjusted? Can he help Columbus turnaround? More to come…