Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie doesn't exactly agree with the three-game suspension imposed on teammate Tom Wilson for his hit to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese.
The incident marked the third time in the postseason Wilson has been on the giving end of a questionable hit. That, tied in with a broken jaw and concussion for Aston-Reese, likely played a role in the NHL Department of Player Safety opting to make a significant statement.
However, Oshie says he's been the recipient of several high hits in his career that went uncalled, and he isn't overly pleased to be without the Caps' top agitator until a potential Game 7.
"I'd like for them to watch the hit. I'd like for them to break it down for me," Oshie told NHL.com's Brian McNally. "From what I see, it's two guys that see each other. It's a north-south hit. Tom goes straight through his body. Yes, the head gets hit. But there's been a million times when I've gotten hit, I go to the ref, I say: 'I was hit in the head,' and the ref just says 'he's bigger than you.'
"That's the way it goes. I've been blown up a couple times this year and I haven't complained about it when it's a monster hit. I remember in New Jersey, someone blew me up at the end of the game. I knew he was coming, but I had to make a play. My head was down, he flew overtop of me, which I guess is jumping now if you fly up, and not a word was said."
Regardless of Oshie's thoughts, the highly entertaining Pens-Caps series moves on to Game 4 on Thursday night, with Washington facing an opportunity to grab a 3-1 series lead.
