The NHL suspended Capitals forward Tom Wilson four games on Tuesday for boarding — giving him his second suspension in less than two weeks.
Wilson came flying in and delivered a hit on St. Louis’ Sam Blais during the Capitals’ preseason finale on Sunday. On-ice officials gave Wilson a major penalty and he was ejected.
On Sept. 23, Wilson was suspended two preseason games for interference against St. Louis’ Robert Thomas. A day earlier, Wilson delivered a blindside hit to Thomas.
Wilson, who was penciled in for the Capitals’ third line on Thursday, will now miss the first four games of the regular season.
At Washington’s media day on Tuesday, Wilson said he wouldn’t change how he played his game.
“People will have their opinions and I just got to trust my game,” Wilson said. “You’ve got to play within the rules. You’ve got to play hard. But that physical element’s part of my game.”
Capitals coach Barry Trotz said Wilson’s latest hit didn’t look as bad in slow motion and was hopeful the NHL wouldn’t issue a suspension.
But the Capitals practiced Tuesday like Wilson would be, slotting in Alex Chiasson on the third line instead.
Wilson met with the NHL’s department of player safety, who handed down the suspension.
The Capitals’ season starts Thursday in Ottawa against the Senators.
Watch the NHL’s explanation for Wilson’s suspension below:
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.