Oshie Hits Ice With Mantha At Capitals Facility, Marking Big Step Forward

Exactly one month ago, Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie left the ice after just two shifts against the New York Islanders on Jan. 15. He has been on the injured reserve and week-to-week since then and has not skated with the team. However, No. 77 took a major step forward on Monday.

According to The Washington Post’s Samantha Pell, Oshie skated on Monday, taking the ice with teammate Anthony Mantha, who is on the long-term IR. Oshie had been around the facility but has yet to participate in a full practice. He also did not make the road trip, nor did Mantha. Both will continue to skate back home. This is the first time Oshie has been seen in a while, but he did get some individual work in before an optional practice in mid-January. He hadn’t skated since, though.

Oshie has suffered numerous injuries this season and also had bouts with the flu and COVID-19, limiting him to just 18 games. Still, he has made the most of his time in the lineup with five goals and 13 points over that span.

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It is a welcome sign for the Capitals, who are desperately looking for secondary scoring and a spark on their power play, while also trying to end a stretch of inconsistency and a lack of energy that has led them to fall from atop the Metropolitan Division to Wild Card territory.

Oshie is not only a capable producer and top-6 contributor, but he’s a key leader in the locker room who brings a lot of energy and positivity on and off the ice. His attitude is contagious, and his experience and vocal leadership style are fundamental in helping the team as it looks to regain its rhythm and get back to its winning ways.