After a controversial hit in the Capitals’ final preseason tilt yesterday, right wing Tom Wilson has once again come under scrutiny and faces potential supplementary discipline as a result. The Pittsburgh Penguins are no stranger to Wilson’s physical play, as forward Zach Aston-Reese was injured in the teams’ second round playoff series several months ago. After Wilson’s latest hit, some of the Penguins’ players, including captain Sidney Crosby were asked about Wilson.
Crosby, who is one of the most influential players in the game, stated his believe that Wilson shouldn’t hit players the way he did to the St. Louis Blues’ Oskar Sundqvist.
Sidney Crosby on Tom Wilson: “There’s no reason to hit like that.”
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) October 1, 2018
Sidney Crosby on Tom Wilson’s hit and suspension: “We talk about this a lot with him. He still chooses to make those hits. I’m sure the league is well-aware of that.” pic.twitter.com/z4cSl5xc9S
— Andrew Rush (@andrewrush) October 1, 2018
Veteran forward Matt Cullen, who rejoined the Penguins this past summer, also chimed in on his thoughts on a possible suspension for Wilson, deflecting the question to the league:
Matt Cullen on a possible Tom Wilson suspension: “It’s up to the league to make a statement.”
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) October 1, 2018
Fans had their own response to the Pens’ comments, particularly Crosby, who has not faced discipline from the league in his career despite a number of questionable incidents in his career:
*Glass house* pic.twitter.com/Kei6dNN8qb
— Richmond John (@RichmondJohn804) October 1, 2018
By Michael Fleetwood