Since returning to the Capitals’ lineup 10 games ago, right wing Tom Wilson has recorded 13 points (seven goals, six assists) and has been arguably, the team’s best player after serving 14 of a 20-game suspension for a hit to the head of St. Louis Blues skater Oskar Sundqvist during the preseason. And while everything has been going smoothly for Wilson so far, he may be in hot water with the NHL yet again.
In the closing minutes of the second period of the Capitals’ Friday night game against the New Jersey Devils, Wilson was ejected from the game with a match penalty and five-minute major for what the referees deemed an illegal check to the head of New Jersey’s Brett Seney. The hit can be seen below:
First Look
Second Look
Because Wilson received a match penalty, he will be suspended pending an official review by the National Hockey League. Given that Wilson was handed a 20-game suspension earlier this season, it’s likely the NHL’s Department of Player Safety will take a long look at this hit. The Capitals managed to kill of the five-minute major. Wilson scored an early second period shorthanded goal to extend his goal-scoring streak to five games.
By Michael Fleetwood