For the second time this preseason, Tom Wilson was involved in a controversial hit on a St. Louis player.
The first one resulted in a two exhibition game suspension for the rugged Caps winger. The second, well, we don’t know yet.
In the second period of Washington’s 4-3 win at Scottrade Center, Wilson was assessed a five minute major for boarding and a game misconduct his hit on Blues winger Sammy Blais.
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The game was not broadcast in Washington or St. Louis. There is, however, in-house video of the hit.
Although Blais returned after clearing the NHL’s concussion protocol, the Blues, as you might imagine, are not happy with Wilson.
“It’s a predatory hit with a guy that apparently didn’t learn his lesson from the first suspension,” Blues Coach Mike Yeo told reporters in St. Louis. “So, maybe coming down a little bit harder on him will make him think a little bit more about it. It’s tough going against vulnerable people.”
Blais added: “I did not see it, but I think it was not a good hit. I didn’t see him coming. If I saw him coming I would protect myself. …I’m good right now.”
Wilson, who scored his second goal of the preseason earlier in the game, was suspended two preseason games on Sept. 23 for a late hit on St. Louis’ Robert Thomas the previous night.
That was the first suspension of Wilson’s career, so it means he’ll be considered a “repeat offender” the next time the NHL evaluates whether to mete out supplementary discipline over a play involving him.
After the suspension was announced last week, Wilson vowed to not change his hard-hitting style, saying, “I take pride in the clean, physical nature of my game. That goes on my record now and whether it comes up down the road or not, it doesn’t matter. It’s my first one and you never like that to happen. I’ll learn from it.”
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