Early in the second period of Game 2 on Sunday afternoon, Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin collided with Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin. As Dumoulin had the puck, he saw Ovechkn in front of him getting ready to deliver a hit but what he didn’t see was Wilson lurking behind him.
Wilson’s shoulder hit Dumoulin’s head and Ovechkin pushed him, causing Dumoulin to fall down in pain. Dumoulin headed to the dressing room and did not return to the game.
Here’s a look at the tape:
WATCH – “I’m at no point trying to target the head at all.”
Tom Wilson on hit of Brian Dumoulin@ABC7News @KgriggsPhoto @Capitals @CapitalsPR @russianmachine @JapersRink @NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/30FtQGGtLP
— Scott Abraham (@ScottABC7) April 30, 2018
“I’m back checking the puck and he stopped. Obviously it’s a big collision and I’m at no point trying to target the head at all. I’m skating, back checking, trying to do my job and unfortunately there’s a collision there,” said Wilson. “I watched it briefly and I don’t realize what I can really do any different. At the last second I see Ovi coming in and you can see me bracing too and I get kind of taken out as well. Obviously you never want to see a guy go down and I’m hoping he’s better. We’ll see what happens.”
On the other side, Penguins center Sidney Crosby said, “He made contact with his head. I mean that was the first point of contact. Given his history and things like that, I’m sure they’ll take a good look at it.”
A league source told Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post that the NHL’s Department of Player Safety is going to review the collision. Wilson was suspended twice in the preseason, which classifies him as a repeat offender. His most recent punishment was a four-game suspension to begin the regular season. If the league decides to suspend Wilson, the penalty will be harsh.
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
I’m not entirely sure what Wilson could have done. Dumolin literally just stopped in front of him and happened to have his head at Wilson-shoulder height. He might get a 1-game suspension to make it seem like the league is doing something, but even that wouldn’t be deserved I don’t think. What should also weigh on the decision is the fact that after the officials reviewed the play they opted not to give Wilson a penalty, not even a 2-minute minor for roughing or something like that.
Very well said!
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At no point did Wilson go for the head! It honestly looked like a true accident! It’s hockey this is the playoffs and things happen very fast. Absolutely nothing looked intentional at all!!! Wilson better not be suspended!!!
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