Washington Capitals Player Preview: T.J. Oshie Showing No Signs of Slowing Down

As T.J. Oshie enters his seventh season with the Washington Capitals, the 34 year old has showed nothing but consistency as he continues to play the utility man throughout the Capitals lineup. With top line center Nicklas Backstrom out of the lineup indefinitely, Alex Ovechkin being day to day, and the Capitals trying to play a balanced top three lines, what does this mean for T.J. Oshie this season?

After being on the bubble to be on Washington’s protected list for the Seattle expansion draft, the coaching staff and management has put their faith into Oshie, as the veteran is being relied upon to continue his high level of play, in any role he is asked to do. In three preseason games this year, Oshie put up three points, including a fight Friday night against the Flyers.

Oshie has been playing and practicing on the third line wing this preseason, along side Conor Sheary, with youngsters Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre rotating in the middle. Usually playing in a top six role, Oshie’s preseason performance is made even more impressive, being able to produce playing with the rookies, and keeping up a high level of play. Expect Oshie to not only be a key player on the ice, but a key mentor to Lapierre and McMichael should they remain to stay in the lineup.

Oshie will more then likely start the season playing with Sheary and either McMichael or Lapierre, but with Ovechkin and Backstrom returning to the lineup, T.J. will more then likely be playing different roles throughout the year.

T.J. Oshie recorded 43 points in 53 games last year, playing first line power play minutes, as well as playing in the top six for the majority of the season. Oshie should remain on the power play and should continue to play with grit and determination this coming season, as not only is he continuing to prove his value with the Caps, but he will need to stay consistent with hopes of cracking the U.S.A men’s Olympic hockey roster. Should he remain healthy expect another 50+ point season from the Washington State native.

Age is just a number for Oshie, as he has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down during the pre season. Expect Oshie to be the same gritty, but skilled attacker this year, as well as someone who will be relied upon to be moving around the lineup.