On Friday, Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie underwent surgery to repair a broken collarbone suffered from a crash into the end boards after a collision with Carolina Hurricanes forward Warren Foegele with 5:08 remaining in the third period of the team’s 2-1 loss in Game 4 of their First Round series with the Hurricanes. He was holding his arm while exiting the ice. Earlier on Saturday, it was reported that Oshie is done for the rest of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, though the Capitals did not rule out the possibility of him returning at some point this postseason depending on how far the team goes.
#Caps forward TJ Oshie underwent a successful surgical procedure on his fractured right clavicle. Oshie is expected to be out indefinitely.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) April 21, 2019
While he was unable to play on Saturday night, let alone show up at Capital One Arena, he fired up the fans on his Twitter feed and showed appreciation for “T.J. Oshie!” chants from the crowd during the game.
Caps fans you guys are amazing!! Thanks for the chants tonight!! The boys played hard and were fun to watch. Looking forward to game 6. #ALLCAPS #BACK2BACK
— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) April 21, 2019
Capitals’ head coach Todd Reirden told reporters after Game 4 that Oshie was going to miss “a significant amount of time.” Oshie went to see doctors on Friday to see if the injury will require surgery. The Capitals are expected to make an official release on his injury later on Sunday.
Oshie, 32, posted 25 goals, 54 points, and a +5 rating in 69 games during the regular season and one goal, two points, and an even rating through four games in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Capitals are already without defenseman Michal Kempny, who underwent hamstring surgery on April 2 and will miss the remainder of the season.
With Oshie out, forward Tom Wilson took his spot on the top line for Saturday’s 6-0 win in Game 5 against the Hurricanes on Saturday. Forward Devante Smith-Pelly was recalled from the AHL’s Hershey Bears on Friday and played on the fourth line in Game 5.
Oshie missed 11 games earlier this season due to a concussion.
The Capitals lead the series 3-2 and can move on to the Second Round with a victory in Game 6 at PNC Arena in Raleigh on Monday (7 PM ET, NBCSN nationally, NBC Sports Washington locally).
Thanks to everyone for the get well wishes. I’m in good hands with our training staff, doctors and especially mama bear at home with her 2 little helpers. DC I need you to make some noise tonight for my boys. I want to hear you through the TV. #ALLCAPS #Back2Back @Capitals
— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) April 20, 2019
By Harrison Brown