T.J. Oshie Records Hat Trick in 5-2 Win
Alex Ovechkin also returned to the lineup after missing three games
(Caps Outsider)
T.J. Oshie scored three goals and the Capitals defeated the St. Louis Blues, 5-2, on Thursday.
It was Oshie’s sixth career hat-trick, fourth as a Capital, and it came against his former team, whom he played for from 2008-2015. He has now scored five goals in his past four games.
Oshie’s first two goals in each of the first two periods came on the power play, while his third was an empty-netter with under 20 seconds left in the contest.
Very fittingly, Oshie’s hat-trick occurred on Country Music Night at Capital One Arena, considering his goal song is “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.
Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin returned to the Capitals lineup after missing the last three games with a lower-body injury. In his return, Ovechkin recorded an assist on Dylan Strome’s goal in the third period, marking his team-leading 15th primary assist of the season.
With the score 1-1 early in the second period, the Caps took the lead when Nicolas Aube-Kubel redirected a shot off the skate of Blues defenseman Justin Faulk and into the net.
Strome scored 34 seconds into the third period, as he now leads the team with 16 goals this year.
Max Pacioretty had two assists on the night, making this his first multi-point game with Washington and the 160th of his career.
In net, Charlie Lindgren notched 20 saves and recorded his ninth win of the season.
Meanwhile, Aussie and former Cap Nathan Walker scored the two lone goals for St. Louis.
With the win, the Capitals improve to 22-15-6 and will have a rematch with the Blues in St. Louis this Saturday at 8:00 pm.
Oshie on scoring a hat trick fittingly on Country Music Night. His goal song is “Take Me Home, Country Roads” pic.twitter.com/kt24cE2jLa
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) January 19, 2024
