Oshie fought a bigger man because it 'had to be done'.

In hockey there is an unwritten code that teammates have each others backs through thick and thin.

Washington Capitals' forward T.J Oshie embodied that code on Friday by taking on Flyers' center Brayden Schenn in a fight off of the opening faceoff of Game 5 of their opening round series.

Oshie took on a much bigger man in Schenn after the team took exception to a vicious slash that Schenn delivered to Capitals' forward Evgeny Kunetsov in Game 4. His reasoning for engaging Schenn showed Oshie's fortitude and camaraderie.

"We were really unhappy with a play that (Schenn) made on (Kuznetsov) last game, so," said Oshie, who defended his teammate with a scrap off the opening faceoff, said according to Ava Wallace of the Washington Post. "Had to be done."

Although Oshie lost the decision to Schenn, the act of retribution was something that was engrained in him. The 190-pound Oshie had the perfect response when asked why he stepped up to defend his teammate.

"Why not?" he said. "First one out there."

His teammates certainly took notice and Capitals' defenseman Karl Alzner appreciated Oshie answering the call.

"It was amazing. It definitely lights a fire under you," Alzner said. "We weren't expecting that. I think the team was already pretty fired up to play this game and then to see that - not just a grappling match, but just throwing them - is a fun way to get everyone going.

"I guess they were talking before the puck dropped. I have no idea what they were saying exactly, but it was good to see (Oshie) do that."

Even Schenn himself had to acknowledge the fact that Oshie stepped up and took him on off the bat.

This is an attribute that can't be taught by a coach, but rather developed through unity and team spirit.

Good on you Oshie. This series is quickly becoming the one to watch. 

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