Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been suspended seven games for his vicious hit Friday night on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, the NHL announced Saturday night.
Wilson had a hearing with the Department of Player Safety Saturday evening, which suggested the Capitals’ enforcer was facing a lengthy suspension.
Wilson hit Carlo against the boards late in the first period. Carlo crumbled down immediately after contact. Wilson was not penalized for the hit during the game. However, Carlo was sent to the hospital, although he was released shortly afterwards.
The league’s explanation highlights the “totality” of the hit, including injury and the fact Wilson made contact with Carlo’s head, driving it violently into the glass, as factors in the decision to suspend Wilson.
Wilson’s disciplinary history played into the length of the suspension being seven games. This is his fifth suspension of his NHL career. In 2018, he was suspended 20 games which was later reduced 14 games for his hit on Oskar Sundqvist. He had avoided suspension from then until this point.
Tom Wilson will be eligible to return to the ice on Mar. 20 against the New York Rangers. In 21 games, Wilson has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points this season.
