TJ Oshie Poised for Return

t-j-oshie-washington-capitals-practice-jpg It looks like TJ Oshie is extremely close to rejoining the Capitals starting lineup, and could do so as early as tomorrow night when the Caps host the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center.

TJ Oshie returned to practicing with the starting lines this morning, and did so without removing himself from the full-contact portion of practice, as he has done over the past week. The Caps practice lines this morning:

So, Oshie is seemingly back. Burakovsky is rotating into the third line. Orlov with Niskanen. #Carlzner returns.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 6, 2016

CSN’s Jill Sorensen captured a bit of video of Oshie working with the team this morning, on a line with Nicklas Backstrom and Marcus Johansson.

Oshie taking regular shift with Backstrom and Johansson pic.twitter.com/MVcQ0dqbaL

— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) December 6, 2016

Oshie originally sustained an “upper body injury” against the Red Wings on November 18th, and as a result, has missed seven straight games.

Oshie said today this was his first full practice. He took contact yesterday and today. Oshie stated he feels great but the final decision is Trotz’s to make.

Nothing official has been announced by Barry Trotz or the Capitals, however, it looks like all the signs are in place for Oshie to return tomorrow night.

Oshie said last week that once he is cleared for contact he’ll be back playing:

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) December 6, 2016

Oshie said it’s “not official” he’ll be back tomorrow. Still has to talk to Trotz, but he feels good. No limitations today.

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) December 6, 2016

Trotz said they’ll decide tomorrow if Oshie will play vs Boston. “He’s possible”

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) December 6, 2016

TJ Oshie interview after practice today:

Oshie got in a full @medstarhealth practice today and is a “possibility” to play tomorrow. #CapsBruins pic.twitter.com/PzqmFKcKh0

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 6, 2016

POWER PLAY
Oshie also assumed his original spot on the top power play unit this morning in practice.

Oshie back on top power play. Williams on second unit. Vrana still there, too.

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 6, 2016

It looks like Andre Burakovsky could be a healthy scratch tomorrow night. Burakovsky has been struggling since he scored two goals on opening night in Pittsburgh.