The report card phase of the Washington Capitals is nearing its end. Next to last on the list is none other then center/right wing T.J. Oshie.
In a season that was filled with uncertainty due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of his father, Oshie found himself as the heartbeat in the Capitals lineup.
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Nobody could blame Oshie if he had decided to sit the season out. But the veteran had other plans.
Oshie, 34, completed his 13th season in the NHL (6th with Capitals). Since coming over from the St. Louis Blues, Osh Babe has become a fan favorite of hockey fans.
During the 2020-21 season, Oshie played in 53 games, scored 43 points, found the net 22 times with one of those goals being a game winner.
Oshie’s best performance of the season came against the New York Rangers in early May.
It was Oshie’s first game back since the passing of his father, Tim Oshie. The Capitals rallied behind Osh while he left all his emotions on the ice. Oshie would honor his dad with a hat trick. Washington would defeat the Rangers 4-1.
T.J. Oshie scored a hat-trick in his first game back since the death of his father 🙏
— ESPN (@espn) May 6, 2021
(via @Capitals) pic.twitter.com/ptqrErlLLu
Oshie’s best goal of the season came against rival Pittsburgh Penguins in late February. Already leading the game 1-0, He got around the defenseman and slapped the puck into the net falling down.
NHL ranked the Top 10 Goals for the 2021 Season. Oshie’s goal against the Penguins made it on the list at No. 6.
goal of the year send tweet pic.twitter.com/cO1B40zgC8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 26, 2021
Oshie is entering his fifth year of a eight year deal with the Capitals. Expect the star player to continue making plays in Washington for years to come.
Grade: A: Oshie should easily be the Capitals team MVP for the 2020-21 season. When tragedy struck, Osh rose to the occasion and never fell back down. The play he provides for Washington is never overlooked.
Once Alex Ovechkin decides to hang up the skates, T.J. Oshie should be the favorite to replace him as team captain.