The Washington Capitals not only lost Game 4 against the Carolina Hurricanes to even their best-of-seven first-round series at 2-2, they may have lost one of the best offensive weapons. Forward TJ Oshie “won’t be playing anytime soon” according to head coach Todd Reirden after Oshie crashed into the boards after being shoved by Hurricanes forward Warren Foegele.
The play occurred in the third period of the Hurricanes’ 2-1 win. Oshie crashed into the boards and immediately was writhing in pain. He skated off the ice and underwent X-rays at the PNC Arena, per Brian McNally of NBC Sports Washington.
Foegele was penalized a two-minute minor for boarding.
Following the game, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was none too pleased about the hit.
āItās a dirty play. It has to be not two minutes. It has to be a different call,ā Ovechkin said per Isabelle Khurshudyan of Washington Post.
Foegele’s hit will be reviewed by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, according to Chris Kruc of the Athletic.
Foegele explained the hit, calling Oshie’s injury “unfortunate.”
“I was trying to lift his stick, trying to give him a little nudge. It was a little unfortunate play there, I wasnāt trying to hurt him or anything. I hope heās Okay,” Foegele said per Khurshudyan.
The series is now tied at 2-2 with tensions riding high. Game 3 was highlighted by Ovechkin dropping Andrei Svechnikov during a fight. Svechinkov missed Game 4 as a result of the fight. Now, Oshie’s injury at the hands of Foegele sets the stage for the remainder of the series.
