After posting seven points in the first eight games, TJ Oshie’s The season plummeted over the next three weeks of play. Arriving at the Sunday matinee against the New Jersey Devils, Oshie had been nine games without scoring and scored just three points at that time.
Oshie broke the goalless streak in style against Jersey. Osh Babe scored two power-play goals and scored the main assist in the game’s winner, Alex Ovechkin’s 712th career count.
It was Oshie’s first three-point game since the season opened against the Buffalo Sabers.
“When we have Osh Babe on our team, every time he is hot, he is hot,” said Ovechkin.
Goal 1
With the Capitals in a two-goal hole, Oshie scored in a 13:38 game of strength in the second period. Oshie, positioned in the high slot, perfectly deflected a John Carlson clapper through Aaron Dell’s five hole.
“Johnny shot that stick straight,” said Oshie afterwards. “I barely had to move it.”
John Carlson lets fly 🚀
TJ Oshie tips 💥THE @Capitals cut the deficit to 2-1. #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/99v2GJQTSK
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 21, 2021
As for the score, “It’s been a while,” said Oshie. “It was nice to see one hit the bottom of the net there.”
Goal 2
Oshie’s second blow gave the Capitals a 3-2 lead to 11:53 in the third. Evgeny Kuznetsov found Oshie in a weak spot in the middle of the ice. With Alex Ovechkin in the lead, Osh fired at the side of the Dell blocker.
2nd goal of the game by @ TJOshie77 Put the @capitals in the top 3-2! #CAPSdevils #EVERYTHING IN CAPITALS pic.twitter.com/HeXvqkUwpW
– Wes Johnson (@WesJohnsonVoice) February 21, 2021
“Kuzy with a big shot off the wall,” noted Oshie.
Assistance to win the game
Finally, Oshie found Ovechkin wide open in front of the net for a touch. Perhaps the Demons shouldn’t have left the game’s top scorer it is wide open.
Because of Oshie’s heroism, the capitals bet on three-by-four with one more man (75 percent). The big game also marked the 34th game of Oshie’s career, with at least three points.
“With luck, I can put myself in more positions to do some kicks in the net and score more goals,” said Oshie.
“It was good to get back on track … it was good to have some on skate and to increase our confidence.”
Post-game TJ Oshie and Alex Ovechkin.#CapsDevils pic.twitter.com/3ltQl2P8Yl
– Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 21, 2021
Complete RMNB coverage of Caps vs Devils
Screenshot courtesy of NBC