John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images
The Capitals’ injury list got one name shorter on Wednesday with the return of right wing T.J. Oshie to the lineup; the team secured a 3-2 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on the day before Thanksgiving. On Friday afternoon, the Caps once again saw an impressive effort result in a victory, this time a 3-0 blanking of the Calgary Flames.
In the two games following an eleven-game absence from the lineup, Oshie has recorded four points (1G, 3A), with a goal-assist effort against the Flames, and two assists in the victory over Philly.
OSHIEEE BAYBAYYY pic.twitter.com/111AfcCTom
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) November 25, 2022
The improved performances by Washington, albeit in a two-game sample, since Oshie’s welcome return to action is perhaps, not all that surprising. Since the 2020-21 season, the Capitals have been notably better with the former first-round pick (2005 by St. Louis) on the ice, and even better when he gets his name on the scoresheet.
OSHIEEE BAYBAYYY pic.twitter.com/111AfcCTom
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) November 25, 2022
The 35-year old Oshie’s offensive contributions are not the only reasons the locker room responds on the ice; his child-like enthusiasm and love of the game, not to mention a hard work ethic, energizes the team and translates onto on-ice results, something many of his teammates noted after today’s victory, including goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
Kuemper on Oshie: “You can see his play on the ice kind of sets the tone for everybody else but more importantly, just energy he brings in the room and the leadership. He’s a guy that everyone looks up to and a guy who everyone else wants to follow.” #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) November 25, 2022
Oshie has struggled with injuries in the last few seasons and was confident about his chances of playing a full, 82-game season in 2022-23. While that will not come to fruition, his return has clearly provided something the Caps have so desperately needed in the last few weeks and whether it is his offense or his intangibles in the locker room and on the bench, the longtime Capital has proven himself a difference-maker.
By Michael Fleetwood
I always hated the Forsberg trade but had we kept him then TJ would have been out… and TJ was a major part of the cup run…
Very true. ☝️
What cute kids. 🙂 I think they must be his energy source.