Traditionally, Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie completes his warm up before the game at the Verizon Center, moves to the opposite way from the bench before skating fast and launching himself toward the locker room.
Normally, everyone steers clear of Oshie when he does this. But in his game against the Boston Bruins, a game that would eventually result in a 5-3 win, Oshie nearly collided with coach Barry Trotz and ended up hitting him a bit with his stick. Take a look.
Naturally, an investigation is warranted. Who is at fault, Oshie or Trotz?
“I think he embellished a little bit,” Oshie said. “I think he might be getting an email from the league. We’ll see what they send out tomorrow, but I think there was a little embellishment there.”
Trotz claims innocence. As a 54-year-old coach, he simply isn’t as graceful or as quick on his feet as he used to be.
“It wasn’t embellishment,” Trotz said. “He didn’t hit me. I saw the stick coming when he came flying off, and it was just a reaction. I’m not as limber as I used to be, so when I lean back real quick or jump out of the way, it’s sort of a yard sale. He did not hit me, but when he ran in front of the player in front of him, the stick sort of twisted and it was coming right for my noggin.
“But, if it hit my head, you’ve seen, I can take those kind of shots.”
• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.
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