Oshie Officially a “Game Time Decision” Tonight, But Will Likely Play

t-j-oshie-washington-capitals-practice-jpg

After being sidelined with an “upper body injury” for seven straight games, TJ Oshie will return to the Capitals lineup when Washington hosts the Boston Bruins tonight at Verizon Center.

CSN’s Tarik El-Bashir confirmed with Barry Trotz this morning that TJ Oshie will indeed play tonight:

Trotz says Oshie will be full-go tonight, no limitations as far as ice time, situation, etc. #CapsBruins

— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) December 7, 2016

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

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PROJECTED LINES
It looks like Andre Burakovsky will indeed play tonight, with Brett Connolly potentially being the healthy scratch. Early media reports from Tuesday stated that Burakovsky could be a healthy scratch tonight. Taylor Chorney looks like the other healthy scratch for tonight’s game. Practice lines at this mornings pre-game skate:

Caps’ lines:
90-19-77
8-92-14
65-20-13
26-83-43
9-2
27-74
44-88

— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 7, 2016

Braden Holtby was the first goalie off of the ice at this morning’s practice, which typically signifies he will start tonight against Boston.

DEFENSIVE PAIRS
Coach Trotz made adjustments to the defensive pairs late in the game against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night. Gauging by yesterdays and today’s practices, those adjustments will be carried over to tonight’s game as well.

Hi Orlov @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/cgY7Y4MOQd

— Michael Marzzacco (@Marswaggo) December 7, 2016

Dmitry Orlov will be moved to the top line with Matt Niskanen and Karl Alzner will rejoin John Carslon on the send defensive pair. Video from this morning’s practice: