Capitals forward Tom Wilson will not be suspended for his hit on Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, according to USA Today.
During the third period of the Capitals’ 6-4 loss, Wilson was called for interference after he delivered a shoulder-to-shoulder check that blindsided Marchessault, who went to the locker room to be further evaluated.
The Golden Knights took issue with Wilson after the game, with forward Ryan Reaves telling reporters that it was a late hit with Wilson “just doing what Wilson does.”
Coach Gerard Gallant added he thought it should have been called for a major penalty, which would have led to an ejection, instead of a minor.
Wilson, who was suspended for three games in the second round for a head hit against Pittsburgh’s Zach Aston-Reese, defended himself — saying he was just trying to finish his check.
“It’s game speed [and] I felt like I delivered it in good time,” Wilson said. “I think he let up a little bit because he wasn’t aware I was there and I know I finished him through his body.
“I think he might have been a little bit surprised by it but it wasn’t an aggressive hit he looked fine at the end when he was yelling at me from the bench and wooing, just a hockey play.”
Marchessault returned to the game, which helped Wilson not receive a suspension.
The NHL has not suspended players for interference unless there is contact made to the head or if the player suffered an injury.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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