TJ Oshie Returns to DC, Ovechkin Out for Maintenance

It seems that when one door finally opens in DC, another closes shortly afterward. TJ Oshie took the ice as the Capitals practiced on Tuesday, wearing a normal, full-contact jersey and skating with his teammates. The 37-year-old winger has not played in a game since December 18th after sustaining an undisclosed injury. Head coach Spencer Carbery revealed that Oshie left the team to get treatment back in his home state of Minnesota, but it appears he is back in the Washington metro, per his Instagram story. While the injury was originally described as being lower-body, that diagnosis has been updated to upper-body as of late. TJ has suffered from chronic back ailments for a number of years, most recently receiving a “double ablation” procedure during the 2022-2023 offseason to relieve some of his pain. TJ Oshie is no stranger to injuries, as a tweet from NHLInjuryViz highlights.

However, it is promising that he is practicing again and appears healthy on the ice. TJ Oshie has missed 17 games so far this season and is still listed on injured reserve (IR), but coach Carbery indicated that he could be playing again as early as this week, depending on how he progresses. We could see Oshie back in action on Thursday as the Capitals take on the Seattle Kraken.

Though it is promising that a veteran like TJ Oshie is on the brink of returning to the team, trouble is blossoming in the form of captain Alex Ovechkin. Unlike his teammate, Ovi did not take the ice during Tuesday morning’s practice, with the team announcing yet another maintenance day for the 38-year-old. He did, however, appear on the ice in street clothes to take a team photo with a group of first responders.

Alex Ovechkin also missed practice before the Capitals’ recent game against the LA Kings and was a game-time decision for that game. He did, ultimately, end up suiting up and extended his point streak to five games with an assist on Dylan Strome’s goal. Ovechkin’s ailments seem to stem from a collision with the Hurricanes’ Jodan Staal that seemingly affected Ovi’s left leg. He skated to the bench in clear discomfort but returned to play after speaking with the trainer. As Washington faced the LA Kings, Ovechkin played alongside teammates Dylan Strome and newcomer Max Pacioretty, who meshed quickly and found their groove, scoring on their first shift together. This line remained intact through the rest of the game, but without Ovi practicing on Tuesday, it is unclear whether or not the trio will play together on Thursday. Spencer Carbery stated that Alex Ovechkin is “nicked up” but may skate again on Wednesday and return to play on Thursday.

A Washington team with two healthy and talented veteran forwards playing alongside the bright young talent we’ve seen lately could prove to be dangerously offensive and explosive, but with the Seattle Kraken being a highly physical and aggressive team, the aging veteran core will have to take extra precautions to protect themselves. The Washington Capitals will take on the Seattle Kraken this Thursday at 7 pm EST.

ITR 34: End Of The Road – Inside The Rink

 Join Conrad and Chris as they discuss the Boston Bruins front office, Logan Couture's retirement, Edmonton Oilers Injuries leading into the playoffs, and playoff matchups! 

1. ITR 34: End Of The Road 41:46
2. ITR 33: The Gr8 One 44:20
3. ITR 32: The Final Countdown 45:55
4. ITR 31: Let Them Fight 01:03:52
5. ITR 30: Down The Stretch 59:42