The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Capitals winger Tom Wilson for 6 games on Friday, taking a key player out of Washington's lineup as it challenges Detroit for a wild card spot
Seemingly out of nowhere, the Washington Capitals have risen to challenge Detroit’s claim to a wild card playoff spot. But having lost forward Tom Wilson for six games, their path to maintaining recent success just got a whole lot harder.
The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Wilson for six games on Friday for high-sticking Toronto forward Noah Gregor in "extremely reckless fashion" on Wednesday. The term is a lengthy sentence foreshadowed by the offer of an in-person disciplinary hearing the department summoned him to. Such a loss of a key winger brings a challenge to the Capitals’ forward depth that is already rather thin. Combined with the timing of a sprint toward the playoffs, Wilson’s loss poses a threat to Washington’s pursuit of the playoffs.
Wilson is known for being an agitator, and with that role being suspended. This particular one marks his sixth career suspension, though it is his first since 2021.
With Wilson out, the Capitals called up forward Matthew Phillips from the AHL. Phillips has five points in 30 NHL games this season, three of which came with Pittsburgh. Using an undersized frame, Phillips’ game centers more around his ability to skate around opponents and score even if that role hasn’t seen much success in the NHL.
Without Wilson, the Capitals lose an energetic forechecker with a scoring touch. His 32 points rank fourth on the current Washington roster and third among forwards. His 17 goals rank third. Losing that production brings in another hurdle for a Capitals team that already ranks fifth-worst in the NHL with 2.66 goals per game. Without Wilson’s scoring, they stand to struggle even more.
Detroit could benefit from that situation, as it travels to the capital Tuesday for a key wild card showdown with Washington. If the Red Wings can take advantage of Wilson’s absence and win against the Capitals, the corresponding four-point swing — two points for Detroit and two missing for Washington — could be a lift the Red Wings need toward making the playoffs.
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