After serving a suspension for the first four games of the season with a “predatory hit” in the preseason finale, Capitals right wing Tom Wilson made his return on Friday night in New Jersey. As luck would have it, his return came in time for an opponent that struggled to contain him in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs: his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.
During the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Wilson was the difference maker in the series:
In Game 1, Tom Wilson scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead in the series. This came after a little pregame motivation provided by opposing head coach Mike Babcock. “Nothing against Wilson because he works hard and all that, but he’s not as big of a concern as a lot of people on their team.”
Trailing 2-1 in the series, Wilson made a block and scored a goal on the same shift in a play that arguably, saved the Capitals season.
Wilson has yet to find the scoresheet (albeit just two games into his season), but has already made a few trips to the sin bin; there would be no better time to light the lamp for the first time than tonight against his hometown team. In his first game back (against the New Jersey Devils) he drew an interference penalty, and already has 15 penalty minutes this season. Since 2014-15, he has drawn the second-most penalties in the NHL with 121.
In last year’s playoffs against these Maple Leafs, Tom Wilson was the X-Factor. Can he be one tonight? #CapsLeafs pic.twitter.com/q59AR9FHGG
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) October 17, 2017
When the forwards gang up on Gruby pic.twitter.com/JtUjj3iBvQ
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) October 17, 2017
During practice today, Wilson did get some shots up, and we’ll find out soon enough what he’s got in store tonight. Prior to the season, he was interviewed by The Star in Toronto. Here’s what he said about facing the Leafs.
“There’s a rivalry there, so let’s keep it going. It’s fine by me. It’s fun to play the Leafs.”
Tonight, Wilson, the Capitals and the Maple Leafs will look to keep it going.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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