Tonight, T.J. Oshie, the Washington Capitals’ alternate captain, is set to hit a major milestone. He will be playing his 1,000th career game at Rogers Arena against the Vancouver Canucks. This achievement places him as the 390th player in NHL history, the 41st active player, and the 62nd U.S.-born player to reach this number of games.
A special celebration is planned for Sunday, March 24, before the Capitals face the Winnipeg Jets. The team, along with the National Hockey League and Oshie’s teammates, will present him with a unique gift to commemorate this significant event.
Oshie will be the 12th Capitals player to play in 1,000 games, a feat last achieved by Nicklas Backstrom on April 15, 2021. Since joining the Capitals for the 2015-16 season, Oshie has scored 191 goals, making him the second-highest goal scorer on the team, just behind Alex Ovechkin. He’s also known for his consistent performance, being a six-time 20-goal scorer, and ranks high in the franchise’s history for goals and power-play goals. The team has seen great success with Oshie, boasting a winning record both with and without him on the ice.
Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2005, Oshie has made a significant impact in the NHL. He’s among the top players from his draft class in goals, assists, and points. His time with St. Louis and Washington has been marked by consistent scoring and valuable contributions to his teams. His selection for the NHL All-Star Game in 2020 highlights his importance to the Capitals.
Oshie’s contributions were crucial in the Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory. He showcased his skill throughout the playoffs, especially in the Stanley Cup Final. His playoff performance places him among the top in franchise history for game-winning goals, playoff goals, and playoff points.
Beyond the NHL, Oshie has proudly represented the United States in international competitions. His memorable performance in the 2014 Winter Olympics against Russia showcased his exceptional skills in shootouts. He holds the highest shootout shooting percentage in NHL history among players with at least 60 attempts. His career goals rank him among the top U.S.-born players by the time of their 1,000th NHL game.
This season, Oshie continues to be a key player for Washington, contributing significantly in power-play goals and game-winning goals. His recent performances have been particularly strong, adding to his impressive career achievements.
As T.J. Oshie steps onto the ice for his 1,000th game, he not only celebrates a personal milestone but also cements his legacy as one of the NHL’s most consistent and impactful players.