During the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins game on Friday, Capitals forward Tom Wilson made a questionable check on Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo. On the play, there was no penalty called but the NHL’s Department of Player Safety decided to have an in-person hearing via zoom with Tom Wilson. After the meeting, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety decided to suspend Wilson for the next seven games.
How the Suspension Affects Tom Wilson and the Washington Capitals
After receiving this seven-game suspension, Tom Wilson has now received five suspensions during his eight-year NHL career. Wilson has always been known to play on the edge and occasionally crosses the line. Recently Wilson has been rather well behaved and has not been in trouble with the Department of Player Safety but this was not the case with the hit on Carlo.
Despite being a repeat offender Tom Wilson has actually been a very productive player when he is in the lineup. Without him in the lineup for the next seven games, the Washington Capitals will have to change up their forward lines to try and replace his physicality and scoring ability on the ice. So far this season, Wilson has played 21 games and has been nothing but fantastic when it comes to scoring. He has scored seven goals and also has 10 assists this season. He also brings physicality to the Capitals lineup as he has 71 hits thus far. Washington will definitely miss Wilson’s presence on the ice.
Who Will Replace Wilson in the Capitals Lineup
With Wilson out of the lineup for the next seven games, Daniel Sprong will probably get more of an opportunity to play and produce for the Capitals. Sprong was a once highly touted prospect that has yet to live up to the expectations he had, but this season has been surprisingly solid. In 12 games, Sprong has scored three goals and one assist. With this opportunity being presented to Sprong hopefully he can live up to the expectations he had.
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