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TJ Oshie stays on brand by scoring 500th career point on a breakaway goal

By Ian Oland

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February 15, 2019 1:25 am

As a member of the US Olympic Team, TJ Oshie became a household name and even got a shoutout from Barack Obama after beating Russia singlehandedly in the shootout during the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Friday, just to stay on brand, TJ Oshie reached the 500-point milestone by scoring on a breakaway.

The goal was Oshie’s second tally and third point on the evening against the San Jose Sharks. The Caps would win 5-1.

Point 498 – Goal

Oshie’s first point came on a powerplay goal 3:38 into the first period. After Alex Ovechkin unleashed an Ovi Shot from the Ovi Spot, Oshie got to the rebound first and scored on Martin Jones with his backhand.

“I just got lucky,” Oshie said.

“O did a good job getting the puck to the net there,” Oshie added. “I thought he had it.”

The tally answered a Kevin Labanc goal to start the game 1:32 later. The Capitals would go on to score five unanswered goals.

Point 499 – Assist

Oshie’s second point of the night came on a primary assist on a Jakub Vrana goal. The tally put the Caps up 2-1.

“Honestly, I think I started moving my feet a little bit more,” Oshie said. “I was freed up a little bit after the [bye week]. A lot of times with O or Nick you’re playing with pretty good players. I was fortunate to find the net recently.”

Point 500 – Goal

18:02 into the second period, Oshie scored point number 500. Vrana chipped a Sharks turnover to Oshie streaking down the wing.

Oshie deked twice before shooting forehand on goaltender Martin Jones.

The goal gave the Caps a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the second intermission.

After the game, Oshie posed with the two teammates who assisted on the goal, Nicklas Backstrom and Jakub Vrana, as is customary.

“TJ’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever played with,” Tom Wilson said after Oshie’s 500th point during the second intermission. “Stand-up guy off the ice and a heck of a warrior on the ice. That guy gives it all he got and sets the tone for our team. A great leader for us.”

Wilson also tweeted his support after the game.

Oshie, who now has 16 points in his last 13 games, also got props from defenseman Matt Niskanen.

“He’s incredibly talented,” Niskanen said. “He has a good feel for the game I think… and he plays with a ton of enthusiasm and energy. He’s one of the best I’ve seen with puck battles. He never quits on a play or a puck.

“He’s an important player for us when he’s buzzing,” Niskanen added. “He brings so much enthusiasm it’s contagious.”

Congratulations, Osh Babe.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Sharks

Headline photo: @Capitals

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