Tom Wilson Discusses Rivalry With Penguins and Sidney Crosby
Tom Wilson is ready for the next chapter of the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals.
For the better part of two decades, the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals has been one of the best in the NHL.
When a player like Tom Wilson enters the fold, however, the heat between the Penguins and Capitals turns up a notch and even during the offseason, there is excitement for competition.
Wilson joined TSN Toronto 1050 and was asked about the rivalry and what newcomer Erik Karlsson might bring.
“Karlsson is obviously an elite talent,” Wilson said. “He’s a rival now, we’ll try and make his life difficult back there.”
Wilson is aware of Karlsson’s talents, but he’ll do what he can to get the upper hand on the rivalry.
Both the Penguins and Capitals missed out on the 2023 Playoffs and will fight tooth and nail to get back to the dance.
“it’ll be cool to have him be a part of that rivalry,” Wilson said. “We’re looking forward to getting back at it this season. I think there’s a hunger there.”
Wilson continued to discuss the rivalry between the two teams and specifically about how Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby carries himself on the ice.
Many Capitals fans believe that Crosby plays with a sneaky dirty side, and Wilson can see it, but is a bit more complimentary about it.
“Every hockey player has a trick of two up their sleeve to defend themselves,” Wilson said. “He’s had a big target on his back for a long time. I’m sure he has to do some stuff to create space. He’s an all-time great player in the game.”
Wilson followed that note by saying that despite the many run ins between the teams, he and Crosby haven’t had too many personal interactions.
“He’s always been a pretty classy and well respected player.”
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