Just eight short days after serving a two-game suspension for a controversial hit, Capitals right winger Tom Wilson once again delivered a hit that not only put him in the penalty box, but could also have dire consequences.
In the Capitals’ road win over the St. Louis Blues in the final preseason game Sunday afternoon, Wilson was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for a boarding hit on Blues forward Sam Blais. The NHL Department of Player Safety is already reviewing the play, per Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post. Ironically, Wilson’s first suspension of the preseason also came against the Blues.
Capitals and Blues fans that didn’t go to the game weren’t able to watch the contest since the game wasn’t televised so you may be asking how exactly could the league review this hit. There are ways the NHL could still see the hit thanks to arena cameras and coach’s film.
Following the game, Blues head coach Mike Yeo had these harsh words to say.
Coach Yeo to reporters in STL: “It’s a predatory hit with a guy that apparently didn’t learn his lesson from the first suspension.” #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@TarikCSN) October 1, 2017
Should Wilson be suspended for the hit he delivered Sunday afternoon expect the punishment to be much harsher as Wilson will be classified as a “repeat offender”. Since it came on the final day of the preseason, this potential punishment could impact the Capitals regular season. With the already limited cap space, the Capitals might not have enough room on the salary cap to make a prospect recall if a forward is injured during Wilson’s suspension, whatever length it could be.
The Capitals open the season Thursday night in Ottawa.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
It’s beyond time that Tom Wilson actually does something more than deliver hits and pick fights with opposing players. The rough stuff in the corners, along the boards and in front of the nets are indispensable for all true power forwards…But Tom Wilson–to be a complete playe–has GOT to put the puck in the net much more often than he does.
Barry Trotz has said more than once that he thinks Wilson has good hands–based on WHAT I have no earthly idea. But if Wilson doesn’t improve on offense I think he ought to be moved…
End,
Clifford
Sta.
Monica
With tom being a RFA after this year I can see several things happening to him: 1) possible trade in the winter depending on how he is doing, 2) trade over the summer especially if he doesnt pick up his scoring and cut down on the stupid penalties,or 3) if the best case scenario happens that he reduced his penalties and his scoring vastly improves and he continues his good play on the penalty kill he gets a nice raise and multi year contract. Sad but I do not think Tom is mature enough to cut down on his penalties so Im going with #1 and think because the Caps are in for a average to below average year you will see a few guys go them for draft picks and players.
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