Minas Pangiotakis/NHLI via Getty Images
The Washington Capitals’ 2022-23 season is almost complete, with a handful of games left to play before heading their separate ways for the offseason after failing to qualify for the postseason. The first stop on the five-game finish to their regular season campaign came in Montreal against the Canadiens.
The Capitals began the season without the services of right wing Tom Wilson (among others), who was still recovering from offseason ACL surgery, and his absence and subsequent return was noticeable. During the Caps’ first period against the Habs, one aspect of Wilson’s importance to the club came on full display.
After Capitals Center Nic Dowd was hit by Montreal’s Michael Pezzetta, Wilson came to his teammate’s aid and dropped the gloves in a round of fisticuffs.
Tom Wilson and Michael Pezzetta drop the gloves following a big hit on Nic Dowd. 👊 pic.twitter.com/QkcbvaP8Q7
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 6, 2023
While both players received the customary, five-minute fighting majors, Wilson racked up a mind-boggling 17 penalty minutes on the back of additional Instigator and 10-minute misconduct penalties.
Pezzetta 🥊 Tom Wilson
Pezz = 🌰
Wilson = 🐎
Moi = 😳 pic.twitter.com/Tarufa15Ym— Marc-André Perreault (@MA_PerreaultTVA) April 6, 2023
By Michael Fleetwood