Tonight the Capitals will host the New Jersey Devils at Verizon Center for a Saturday night clash. T.J. Oshie is scheduled to suit up for his 500th game in his NHL career.
The right-winger was drafted 24th overall in the 2005 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, however he didn’t make his NHL debut until 2008. During those three seasons prior, he focused on his education as he played for the University of North Dakota in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). He registered 142 points over the course of his college career, with 59 goals and 83 assists in 129 career games. He helped lead UND to the Frozen Four all three years he was with them.
On May 13, 2008, Oshie signed with the Blues instead of going back to North Dakota for his senior season. He made his NHL debut on October 10 against Nashville and scored his first NHL goal against Detroit 12 days later. He won the Blues fans over with his energetic play and exciting goals.
While he had fame in St. Louis, the rest of the NHL fans took great notice during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. In a thrilling game between USA and Russia that went to a shootout, Oshie shined by scoring four goals on six attempts to give USA the huge upset.
On July 2nd of last year the Caps traded Troy Brouwer for Oshie. It was a move that got Caps Nation fired up for the season ahead. So far this season entering tonight, Oshie has 34 points, 16 goals, and 18 assists in 56 games. Throughout his career, Oshie has earned 344 points, 126 goals, and 218 assists through 499 games. Tonight, it’s the big 5-0-0. NoVa Caps congratulates T.J. Oshie on this remarkable milestone.
By Michael Marzzacco
