Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was given a match penalty for his blindside hit on New Jersey Devils Brett Seney.
Wilson obviously has a history of supplementary discipline and will be talking with the department of player safety.
Chris Ryan: Devils Brett Seney said that Wilson hit him on the shoulder and possibly in the back of his, but wasn’t positive as it happened so fast. Seney went through the concussion protocol and was cleared.
Tom Wilson is given a match penalty for this hit on the @NJDevils‘ Brett Seney. #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/LM6Oc3vmPk
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) December 1, 2018
He’s trying to get by….. #AllCaps
Uh-oh pic.twitter.com/1TEAjkNa9q
— Marcus Boutilier (@SportMajor) December 1, 2018
Thoughts from the media
Frank Seravalli: “This was Wilson’s 9th game back since 14-gm suspension that cost him $882k. It’s late. It’s unnecessary. But it’s not an illegal check to the head. It will get a lot more because it’s Wilson, but ultimately if it’s not a suspension for everyone else, it shouldn’t be for Wilson”
Chris Johnston: “Tom Wilson’s hit on Brett Seney likely won’t be deemed an illegal check to the head, but it is late. He was suspended four times over 105 games, and has played nine games since his recent 14-game ban. The CBA calls for increased penalties for repeat offenders. Tough situation.”
Brian McNally: “I’ve watched the Tom Wilson hit 14 times now, I don’t know. It’s late. It’s from behind. It’s NOT a hit to the head. He doesn’t alter his path. but he could have passed it up. He is barely skating when he makes contact. He is also Tom Wilson. The benefit of the doubt is long gone”
Jason Mackey: “Tom Wilson should not play again this season. That’s obvious. What’s more concerning is the lack of acknowledgement from him/the Capitals that there’s a problem. There most definitely is. And at this point, nothing short of the @NHLPlayerSafety going nuclear will fix it.”
Scott Billeck: ‘In the DoPS video for Tom Wilson’s 20-game suspension (later reduced to 14), George Parros pointed out that the hit was both avoidable and that Wilson took a bad angle of approach. Both of those the case again tonight. Was it a head shot? That’s TBD.”