The Washington Capitals summer has begun, and one of the big questions will be about whether or not forward TJ Oshie will return for another season.
Now, we all know that TJ Oshie has done enough throughout his career to be considered a consummate Hockey Guy. But wait ’til you hear what he was dealing with in the Caps’ opening-round series against the New York Rangers.
In the series, Oshie took some serious shots, one was a controversial open-ice hit in Game 2 courtesy of Artemi Panarin. Then he took a hit in Game 3 from Matt Rempe, which teammate Dylan Strome revealed broke his hand.
Oshie confirmed that this was the case, but only after he appeared in game 4 and logged over 18 minutes of ice time.
Like I said; Hockey Guy.
“Dylan was not supposed to say that,” Oshie said, per Russian Machine Never Breaks. “It happened midway through the second of Game 3. So, it’s fine.”
Oshie then explained that adrenaline and a solid Caps training staff helped him get through Game 4 which the Rangers won on Sunday to complete the sweep.
“My hand just got full squished there in the boards. No big deal. When things like that happen, adrenaline gets you through the game, and the trainers did a good job getting me ready to play the next one. I felt very able and capable. No excuses here.”
After the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, TJ Oshie hung out to greet fans, sparking speculation that he might not return next season. (John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images)
Mr. Oshie talks about the serious problem of “peeing in the water bottle''
Oshie has battled quite a few injuries this season, and those lingering injuries have also affected his back. The 37-year-old Olympic hero (whose shootout with Russia in 2014 still gives him goosebumps) said his broken hand was nothing compared to his hip problems.
“Compared to the pain in my lower back, a broken hand is like a hangnail,” Oshie said, before explaining how serious his back problems were.
“I'm literally sitting on the floor peeing in my water bottle all the time. It's the worst and I have to go and pick up the kids until I go see Dr. Johnson in Minnesota and get him fixed. I can't do that either. I feel much better.”
Anyone with back problems can relate to the problem. There were several back issues of the day that I worked hard to write. I sometimes suffer from back pain, but the cushioning on my desk chair has gotten better. It hasn't escalated to the point of lying on the floor and peeing in a bottle if Howard Hughes sleeps wrong, but sometimes I get a little stiff when I go to the kitchen to get something. there is. Another carbonated drink.
So, yeah. TJ Oshie's structure is different.
The question now becomes whether he will return or not. Oshie was seen hanging out on the ice after shaking hands with the Rangers, leading some to believe he was soaking up the atmosphere one last time.
“I still love coming here. I want to play again next season, but it's the same problem every time, so we have to find a way to not be in and out of the lineup.” Oshie said. For now, we're just looking for answers.”
