The Capitals and Penguins renewed their high-octane rivalry on national television, Wednesday night, but it was an injury, not offense, that marked the biggest highlight of the first period.
Capitals forward TJ Oshie absorbed a high stick under the shield. As the popular Caps forward laid on the ice, the Capital One Arena fell silent.
Oshie eventually got to his feet and skated off the ice under his own power, but went back to the locker room.
During a defensive zone faceoff, Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta high-sticked Oshie as he tried to mark the shootout specialist.
Maatta’s hockey stick struck Oshie’s face hard.
Oshie laid on the ice in pain.
As he skated off the ice, NBC cameras focused on Oshie’s nose, where a cut was opened. Oshie was unable to open his left ice.
Here’s a screenshot.
Maatta was not given a penalty on the play.
— Stan Lee Cup (@MuzzMuzzington) November 8, 2018
Several minutes later, Capitals head coach Todd Reirden had no update for NBC analyst Brian Boucher when pressed on how severe Oshie’s injury was.
Todd Reirden addressed TJ Oshie's injury during this latest break in play.
Do you have an update? "Not at this moment. He's still be looking at." pic.twitter.com/51UhuFOSH8— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 8, 2018
8:33 pm update: The Capitals PR says Oshie is expected to return in the second period. It appears Oshie avoided a major eye injury.
#Caps TJ Oshie is expected to return in the second period.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) November 8, 2018
8:38 pm update: Oshie took the opening faceoff of the second period.
Oshie's back for the start of the second period. Thank goodness. pic.twitter.com/Y8nrcQ07Dj
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 8, 2018
Share On