Home / News / The quintessential TJ Oshie game: two goals, one assist, and a fight. His first career Gordie Howe hat trick.

The quintessential TJ Oshie game: two goals, one assist, and a fight. His first career Gordie Howe hat trick.

By Katie Adler

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February 25, 2023 3:40 pm

Even if it’s impossible, TJ Oshie seems determined to drag this Washington Capitals team into a playoff spot kicking and screaming. Saturday’s match against the New York Rangers marked Oshie’s 500th NHL game with the Capitals, and what a game he had.

Less than five minutes into the game, Oshie deflected a shot by Erik Gustafsson, tipping the puck into the net for a power play goal.

Oshie has now scored the opening goal two games in a row, both on the power play.

Just over halfway into the first, Oshie laid a big hit on Ryan Lindgren in front of the bench. Though no penalty was called on the play, Lindgren immediately went to the locker room hurt and would not return to the game.

During a later ABC ‘mic’d up’ segment, Oshie could be heard apologizing to Lindgren following the hit, saying, “I’m sorry, dude.”

At the next faceoff, Oshie agreed to fight Barclay Goodrow, who looked to respond to Oshie’s hit. Oshie’s willingness to fight Goodrow displayed a level of respect and remorse for Lindgren’s injury. The show of respect continued in the aftermath of the fight: Oshie tapped on Goodrow’s thigh as the two were broken up, and later knocked on the glass while both were in the penalty box. With this fight, Oshie now has 11 total fighting majors over his career.

Oshie’s energy continued into the second period, where he scored his second goal of the night off of shot from the slot.

To complete the Gordie Howe Hat trick, Oshie’s shot deflected off the post before Sonny Milano scored on the rebound, giving Oshie an assist for his 40th career game with three or more points.

Having both a goal (or two,) an assist, and a fight in a single game, Oshie earned the first Gordie Howe Hat Trick of his career.

What a game from The Absolute Gamer.

Screenshot: @Capitals/Twitter

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