AP Photo/Alex Brandon

When Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan traded for right-wing T.J. Oshie in early July, the expectation was that he would be the top-line right-wing the Caps had coveted for so long.

Coming off a 19-goal, 55-point 2014-15 campaign with the St. Louis Blues, expectations for the highly-skilled forward were high. Not only has he lived up to his offensive expectations (including his famous shootout expertise), but he has also brought a physical edge that has made the Caps top-line all the more dangerous.

He’s on pace for 30 goals, 24 assists, and 54 points this season. And not only has his offensive game been excellent, but his all-around game has shone as well.

While it was known that Oshie could be physical, his physicality this season has been a bit surprising. Last year, in 72 games-played with the Blues, Oshie had 99 hits and 39 blocked shots. In just 42 games with the Caps, Oshie has 74 hits and 34 blocked shots.

One reason for that is Oshie seeing more ice time and extended penalty killing time under Barry Trotz. Last year he averaged 18:50 minutes compared to 19:10 this season.

Oshie has given the Caps the production and consistency, not to mention energy, that the team desperately needed after giving up a lot to acquire him. So far,

Michael Fleetwood