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Tom Wilson avoided suspension and will not be discipline further for his blindside hit on New Jersey Devils forward Brett Seney, according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post. Wilson was ejected in the second period after hitting Seney during the Washington Capitals’ 6-3 win.
Seney went down and landed face down. He needed assistance from the training staff, while Wilson was assessed a match penalty. According to Khurshudyan, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety ultimately considered the match penalty on the ice sufficient and deserved. However, since Wilson made contact with Seney’s shoulder and not head nor was their any force behind it, there is no warranted suspension.
It’s expected Wilson’s automatic one game suspension from the match penalty for an illegal check to the head will be rescinded and he will be available for Sunday’s game against Anaheim.
The reaction on ice seemed like a reputation call, as Wilson has been labeled for his list of questionable and illegal checks throughout his career. He has been suspended four times in the last year, including a 20-game suspension to start this season following an illegal hit during the Capitals’ preseason finale.
Wilson had the suspension reduced to 14 games and has scored seven goals and six assists in nine games this season playing on the Capitals’ top line. As his offensive skill set continues to blossom, Wilson is faced with a reputation that unfortunately he has garnered with physical play. For that any marginal contact with a player will be viewed with heavy scrutiny.
