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TJ Oshie returns to practice fully, needs clearance from doctors to play Tuesday night against Stars

By Ian Oland

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December 18, 2017 12:48 pm

Since December 4, TJ Oshie has been out of the Capitals lineup since suffering a concussion against the San Jose Sharks. After falling to the ice due to a failed bodycheck, Oshie had his head pasted into the glass by Joe Thornton and left the game as he woozily skated off the ice.

Monday morning, Oshie returned to Capitals practice and participated fully for the first time since being injured. He has missed the team’s last 6 games.

The Capitals went 5-1 in the star’s absence and surged into first place in the Metropolitan Division standings.

According to the Associated Press’s Stephen Whyno, Oshie returned to the second line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Jakub Vrana. Head coach Barry Trotz slid winger Alex Chiasson down to the fourth line while Devante Smith-Pelly will likely be the scratch Tuesday night against the Dallas Stars.

Oshie also reclaimed his top spot on the power play.

The Caps forward took the ice approximately 20 minutes before practice started and took shots with Taylor Chorney.

After skating, Oshie told reporters that he needs final clearance from the team’s doctor and trainer to play tomorrow.

Oshie admitted that it was the fourth documented concussion of his career.

Trotz would not 100% guarantee Oshie would return to the lineup.

The team’s co-leading goalscorer from last season has mostly remained around the team and the rink during his time injured. As recently as last week, Oshie was caught by Friends In Cold Places passing guys pucks during practice in street clothes.

He first re-joined practice on Friday wearing a green no-contact jersey.

Oshie remained in that green no-contact sweater for three days.

Welcome back, TJ.