Since Returning From Minnesota, T.J. Oshie Has Been A Different Player For The Capitals. Here's What's Behind His Hot Streak

SAMMI SILBER, The Hockey News

WASHINGTON — For T.J. Oshie, trips back home to Minnesota are nothing new. The Washington Capitals winger has been doing it for years, making the trek back and forth to his home state to see his chiropractor amid injury troubles. This time around was no different, but since returning, he has been a different player for D.C.

The 37-year-old has been on a tear since returning from an upper-body ailment, posting five goals and an assist in his last five games. He closed out Washington's home stand with a hat trick against his former St. Louis Blues on Thursday, which also extended his point streak to three games.

"It's nice to get some goals here, get some points, and it's always fun to be the guy that's putting the puck in the net," Oshie said.

But what's made Oshie such a high-impact player since returning?

First off, he's getting to the right areas. Looking at where his goals are coming from, two have been directly in the crease, and three have come in the slot right in front of the net. The only long-distance goal was the empty-netter that completed his sixth career hat trick on Thursday.

T.J. Oshie's goals this season have come from close range.

"That's how you score in this league," head coach Spencer Carbery pointed out matter-of-factly. "I know what you watch on ESPN and NHL Tonight may be a little bit different, but those are usually the one-offs on a nightly basis of the slot-line play, the line rush, odd-man rush, breakaway. The majority of the goals scored are right inside that blue paint. At the end of the day, you have to be willing to get there.

"There's more that goes into it of when you get there, how you get there, using your skill and ability like T.J. has, and he's done a real good job of it, timing and all that stuff," he continued.

Also watching Oshie, he's playing with grit and a chip on his shoulder. His speed is also noticeable, and he's been able to chase down pucks, win his battles and stick with the play.

It's that effort that has put his teammates on notice.

"We all know what Osh brings to the table. He's quite the locker room guy and you can see, I feel like since he's come back here, he just seems like he's got a little pep in his step," goaltender and fellow Minnesotan Charlie Lindgren said. "To me, it just looks like he's playing some really good hockey."

Something that's also been fundamental to Oshie's success is his new line. Wtih Alex Ovechkin having missed three games due to a lower-body injury, head coach Spencer Carbery put Max Pacioretty and Dylan Strome with T.J. Oshie in hopes of sparking some offense. It's been a lethal combination.

At 5-on-5, the trio has combined for an expected goals-for percentage of 68.86 and scoring chances-for percentage of 65.31. Without Pacioretty and Strome, Oshie's xGF% sits at 47.74, and his SCF% is 48.67.

"There's a lot of credit that’s gotta go to Strome and Patch. There’s been an instant chemistry there, not just the goals, but there’s a lot of little plays that are making the game really easy on us because we’re working for each other and we’re supporting each other and we’re really just having a blast jumping over the boards together. So that’s been the root of all of our offense," Oshie said.

When it comes to what exactly works on that line, the Warroad native mentioned that the three of them have a lot in common in the way they think the game, leading to more pressure and ability in the offensive zone.

"I think although we're obviously different players, Patch and I, I think, think the game very, very similar as far as reading where the puck is gonna go or where maybe it should go or where the guy needs support and Stromer's just a smart player in general, he's really good at finding space in the middle and he's good at seeing plays develop," he added. "It's just something that's clicked and you know, we're working, too. It's obviously fun to play with the puck, but me and Patch are the first guys that will chip the puck in deep to each other and go forecheck, so that's important when you got wingers that are willing to go down and kinda do that dirty work so you can get some o-zone time."

Looking back at the start of the campaign, things weren't coming as easily for Oshie, but now, he feels rejuvenated, and that confidence is going a long way. It couldn't come at a better time for the Capitals, either, with the team still very much in the playoff race and trending in the right direction at the halfway mark of the season.

Now, the hope is for him to keep it going.

"Last game, he was the fastest skater. Right now, he gets a hat trick. He's pretty hot," Ovechkin said. "Our job is just give him the puck."