Capitals' Oshie plays mind games with Holtby as World Cup nears

The World Cup of Hockey, where teammates become enemies.

That is exactly the case for Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, who starting next week will be hoping to put pucks past teammate Braden Holtby.

Oshie will be suiting up for Team USA while Holtby will be looking to man the crease for Canada and ahead of the tournament Oshie is already trying to get an edge on last season's Vezina Trophy winner on the chance the two meet in a shootout.

"I actually just brought a couple new ones (moves) out here today," Oshie told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "I've got to try to get in his head just in case."

It's safe to say that if Team USA is forced to go to a shootout Oshie will be called upon, especially after his dazzling shootout display against Russia at the Sochi Olympics.

"That was one of the more special moments of my career for sure, but hopefully I can be remembered for more than just a shootout when it comes to USA Hockey," Oshie said. "I was kind of playing in more of a grinder, support, penalty-kill role in Sochi. I didn't get too much ice time, so hopefully I can have a good camp here and get some more (ice time) and show some of my offensive abilities as well."

Meanwhile, after setting a career high with 26 goals in his first season with the Capitals, Oshie is hoping his proven knack for scoring will land him more ice time this time around.

"I think it should play a little bit of a factor (with Team USA) because I had more success offensively, especially scoring goals, this past year," Oshie said. "So hopefully that can translate into more ice time."

As for the growing rivalry with Holtby, Oshie can put his mind tricks to the test when Canada and the USA go head-to-head in two exhibition games Sept. 9 and 10.