In an ideal setup, T.J. Oshie wouldn’t be playing center. He’s a winger by trade — and a good one at that — but the Washington Capitals have a hole, and Oshie is a do-it-all player who’s shown the aptitude to play anywhere across the forward line.
That’s what coach Peter Laviolette has come to expect from the 34-year-old. He moved Oshie to center when Washington was in an injury pinch in January. Now in the first round of the playoffs, the Capitals are there again, calling on Oshie to play out of position for the good of the team.