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.
#Caps line rushes:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Wilson
Vrana-Kuznetsov-Oshie
Connolly-Eller-Burakovsky
Stephenson-Beagle-Chiasson— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 18, 2017
Oshie also reclaimed his top spot on the power play.
With Oshie back, Brett Connolly has replaced Jakub Vrana on the second power play.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) December 18, 2017
The Caps forward took the ice approximately 20 minutes before practice started and took shots with Taylor Chorney.
Oshie, Chorney and the goalies getting in some pre-practice work with Trotz looking on. #Caps pic.twitter.com/J35zvczXw7
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒🥅 (@TarikNBCS) December 18, 2017
After skating, Oshie told reporters that he needs final clearance from the team’s doctor and trainer to play tomorrow.
Oshie says he feels ready to return but needs final clearance from doctors in order to suit up in Dallas. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒🥅 (@TarikNBCS) December 18, 2017
Oshie admitted that it was the fourth documented concussion of his career.
Oshie also said this is the fourth documented concussion of his career and the least severe. #Caps https://t.co/XMTZvZqKJB
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒🥅 (@TarikNBCS) December 18, 2017
Trotz would not 100% guarantee Oshie would return to the lineup.
Trotz on Oshie: "T.J.'s a real good player for us, he's a big part of what we do and if he's healthy and ready to go, I have no problem putting him in the lineup. He's been a terrific player for us since he's been here."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) December 18, 2017
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.
TJ Oshie on the bench feeding guys with pucks just nice to see him here doubtful he plays tomorrow night though pic.twitter.com/zWLDF6MqMb
— FriendsinColdPlaces (@inColdPlacesDC) December 7, 2017
He first re-joined practice on Friday wearing a green no-contact jersey.
Oshie has indeed joined his teammates for practice. Only player wearing a green jersey, but it’s another step in the right direction. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒🥅 (@TarikNBCS) December 15, 2017
Oshie remained in that green no-contact sweater for three days.
T.J Oshie not quite ready to play yet. But last man off the ice signing autographs/taking pictures with young fans after morning skate. pic.twitter.com/r66RTfhjsr
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) December 16, 2017
Welcome back, TJ.
