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For Coach: T.J. Oshie Scores Hat Trick in Capitals’ Emotional 4-2 Win Over Rangers

Della Young
Photo: Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images

Emotions were already running high during Wednesday’s Washington Capitals and New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Forward T.J. Oshie had himself a night, scoring a hat trick in the 4-2 win in his first game back since the passing of his father Tim “Coach” Oshie.

Just twelve seconds into the second period, Oshie opened the scoring on a power-play and gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead. It marked his 19th goal of the season.

Oshie would pot his 20th goal at the 8:26 mark, extending the Capitals’ to 2-0. He would reach the 20-goal mark for the sixth time in his career.

He would complete the hat trick with an empty-net goal with just under two minutes left in the third period and put the Capitals ahead by 4-1.

This is Oshie’s fourth career hat trick.

Teammates showed love and gave hockey hugs to Oshie. He returned to the lineup after missing Monday’s game due to a personal family matter. Oshie tweeted Tuesday morning that his father Tim had passed away.

Center Nicklas Backstrom said during his postgame comments that he felt like Oshie “needed a hug.” “I saw he got emotional there at the end…I think he told him, ‘You’re the strongest person I know.’… We’re a family. We’re in this together. His loss is everyone’s loss.”

“It was such an emotional night for T.J,” center Nic Dowd also said. “He’s been such a big leader for our team. We’re trying to be there for him to take care of him and he ends up taking care of us and leading us to win the game.”

Oshie tweeted later Wednesday night that he will be “forever grateful” for that night.

By Della Young

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