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T.J. Oshie has harsh words for NHL’s inconsistent rules on head contact

By Dave Stevenson

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21:Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) takes a glove to the face as he's pushed into the boards during the first period of Game 5 of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Capital One Arena on Saturday, April 21, 2018. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 21:Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie (77) takes a glove to the face as he's pushed into the boards during the first period of Game 5 of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Capital One Arena on Saturday, April 21, 2018. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie did not hold back as he ranted about the NHL’s inconsistent rulings regarding hits to the head.

The Washington Capitals are up 2-1 in their second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, they must try to win the series without one of their key players. Forward Tom Wilson got a well-deserved three-game suspension for hitting Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese in the head and breaking his jaw (giving him a concussion). Naturally, hits to the head were the topic of discussion the following day. Capitals forward T.J. Oshie didn’t hold anything back.

It’s understandable people might have an issue with the first part of his statement. But obviously, he’s going to defend his teammate. Let’s ignore that part of the statement. However, Oshie has a right to be frustrated that he has suffered similar hits and been shrugged off.

Specifically, he references a hit towards the end of a game against the New Jersey Devils. This happened on Jan. 18, 2018, and the hit in question was delivered by Stefan Noesen with about 17 seconds left in the third period. About a month earlier, Oshie suffered a concussion on a hit by Joe Thornton.

During his career, he has suffered no fewer than three concussions. Each time, the person who injured him didn’t get suspended. Thornton was the only one of them who got fined. So Oshie has a legitimate reason to be upset. As should every skater.

There’s no excuse for the NHL to not crack down on headshots. A concussion lawsuit is in the works, so the league can’t afford to keep ignoring concussions and hits to the head. Currently, the NHL only makes hits to the head suspendable if the head is the principal point of contact and if contact to the head is deemed avoidable.

Oshie’s words sting hard because they’re true. Just think, every ref at Game 2 of the Capitals vs. Penguins series thought Wilson’s hit to Aston-Reese was a clean hit. The league disagreed with their assessment. There’s an undeniable disconnect between the rules and the league.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What If' Moment

Hits to the head need to be punished consistently and swiftly, regardless of intent. There is overwhelming evidence that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) can lead to a number of health issues. The IIHF has a no tolerance policy with hits to the head. There’s no reason why the NHL and its players shouldn’t be pushing for a similar approach.

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