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Washington Capitals: T.J. Oshie’s 2018-19 Final Grade

By Alex Benda

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) prepares for a face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second period on April 13, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) prepares for a face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second period on April 13, 2019, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Only three members of the Washington Capitals who have played a significant number of games are left to be graded. T.J. Oshie, you’re up.

T.J. Oshie has another great year in his fourth year as a member of the Washington Capitals. The only downside was Oshie sustained some injuries last season including missing 13 games in the regular season, and three in the playoffs.

The playoff injury came after breaking his clavicle when taking a cheap shot from the Carolina Hurricanes Warren Foegele from behind in Game 4 of the playoffs.

Oshie played a major role in the Capitals success this year on the top power play causing chaos in front of the net, killing penalties and was on the second line most of the season.

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Oshie’s high energy, gritty play and leadership makes him like no other player in the NHL. He finished the year with 54 points (25 goals, 29 assists), fifth best on the team as well as finishing second in goals only behind Alex Ovechkin.

Oshie is every coaches dream. He’s always in position, finishes every check, sets up his teammates, blocks shots, great locker room guy and is the best player in the NHL when it comes to shootouts.

The “Oshbabe” has excellent creativity with the puck, and was a perfect match this season playing with Evguny Kuznetsov and Jakub Vrana making the Capitals second line one of the best in the league this year.

Oshie is taking his time this offseason after having surgery to repair his broken clavicle, and looking to come back better than ever. His injuries last year didn’t help his stats out the best, but two years ago put up a career-best of 33 goals, and is looking to have that type of production in 2020.

This was also the first year in Oshie’s career where he didn’t get in a fight. Oshie is a true team player and drops the mitts when he has to, but didn’t feel the need to fight this year which is a good thing because you can’t score from the penalty box. Being a true competitor some players also see him as a pest especially players on the Pittsburgh Penguins, particularly Evgeni Malkin.

Next. Travis Boyd's 2018-19 Final Grade. dark

Grade A: Overall grade on Oshie is an A. You can’t ask for the guy to do anymore he’s a true pro who plays every game like it’s the Stanley Cup final. Characteristics like his is what every coach looks for in a hockey player, and that’s why he’s a fan favorite in Washington. I look for Oshie next year to get healthy and be able to produce over 60 points including getting back to the 30 or more goals club.

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