Oshie Flattens Nash ... Twice

It's really hard not to like the way St. Louis Blues rookie T.J. Oshie plays hockey. He's relentless, and he's not some hack who lacks skill. The kid can flat-out play. For that matter, it's also hard not to appreciate what Columbus captain Rick Nash brings to the table. Not only is he his normal goal-scoring self, but he's already set career highs for assists and points. As the Blues swept the Blue Jackets in a home-and-home over the weekend, these two young stars came together for two of the biggest hits of the weekend.

Oshie, age 22, and Nash, 24, are two guys we will definitely be hearing more and more about in future years. Both are, however, trying to accelerate the future, as the Blues and the Blue Jackets are each on track to make the Stanley Cup playoffs.

In Saturday's 4-3 shootout win by the Blues, Oshie rocked Nash, sending the Scottrade Center crowd into a frenzy.

Oshie was booed every time he touched the puck Sunday in Columbus, but managed to score the game's first goal in a 5-2 St. Louis win.

When Nash tried to put a body into Oshie, it didn't go too well for the captain.

It's kind of enjoyable to hear the Blue Jackets television broadcasters trying like crazy to label these as dirty hits.

They'll have to keep trying.

In the meantime, we have some potential for another fun rivalry involving young stars in the NHL.