Emotions were high in Wednesday’s game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers. Despite the high tension and fighting the rivalry meeting produced, it was Capitals forward TJ Oshie who may have stole the spotlight.
Playing in his first game since the passing of his father, Tim, Oshie scored a hat trick in Washington’s 4-2 win. After scoring his third goal, an empty-netter, to complete his hatty, Oshie was overcome with emotion as he went to the Capitals bench.
It was Oshie’s fourth career hat trick. However, this one will surely be his favorite. Oshie announced on Tuesday his father passed away from his long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Oshie’s father was a huge influence in his hockey career. When the Capitals won the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, the two Oshie’s embraced each other with a hug in celebration of the moment. It was then, TJ revealed his father’s ailment.
Following the game, Nicklas Backstrom was seen embracing Oshie. Backstrom shared his thoughts of what was behind the heart-warming moment.
The otherwise ugliness that became of the Capitals-Rangers game surrounding Tom Wilson cast a dark cloud over the sport. However, Oshie’s hat trick was a refreshing moment for the game and the NHL.
