The Capitals forward also commented on the importance of this year's festivities being in his hometown of Toronto.
The Capitals forward also commented on the importance of this year's festivities being in his hometown of Toronto.
Team MacKinnon brought Tom Wilson on board to bring some grit, and he didn't disappoint as defense came first in his second NHL All-Star Game appearance. He blocked a shot and won two face-offs while backchecking efficiently for Team MacKinnon.
And, in the midst of it all, he got a hit in — albeit, a light one — as he gave Pastrnak a shove.
"Trying to do whatever it took to help the team out," Wilson pointed out to reporters in Toronto, adding, "Well, someone's gotta play defense."
Despite his solid outing and bringing the grit that Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Tate McRae wanted him to bring, Team MacKinnon fell to Team McDavid, 4-3, in a shootout after giving up a two-goal lead in the final minute.
"II think we're pretty pissed off. Obviously it's the All-Star Game but i mean not ideal from our end. I think guys still wanted to win. So i guess it's good for the fans, exciting at the end, but they just found a way to get it done," Wilson said of the loss.
He added that the shortened game time made the defeat sting more than usual, especially considering he skated just 5:59 minutes in the All-Star festivities.
"That's why you're a little bit bummed, because it was a fun atmosphere, it was a great time and you're just kinda warming up and it's like 'Alright, hit the showers,'" Wilson said. "It's awesome out there and I think you just soak in every minute, so when it's over, it's a little frustrating like that but it's a lot of fun. The guys were awesome and it's something I'll remember for a long time."
This marked Wilson's second career NHL All-Star Game appearance, and it also held quite a bit more meaning as he played in his hometown of Toronto. Being able to take the ice in front of family and friends meant a lot to the 29-year-old, who said it had a different feel than his All-Star debut in Las Vegas just two seasons ago.
"Coming home to Toronto, i was super excited about it and it had a different feel. Both (this and Vegas) were so fun, but it was a different experience. Having (Justin Bieber) and Tate (McRae) and Will (Arnett) and (Michael) Bublé hanging around in the room and obviously a really elite talent pool of players here for this weekend, that's what I really enjoyed," Wilson said. "It's just meeting the people, hanging out and just soaking it all in, enjoying it together. The NHL did an amazing job, it was first class and sold out. Great atmosphere all three days."
Being in his hometown was also a much-preferred change from Vegas, as he was able to avoid boos from the crowd. He credited his family and friends for that, but also poked some fun at fellow All-Star Nikita Kucherov, saying that he was able to avoid too many boo birds with the fans sending them Kucherov's way following his underwhelming effort in the skills competition the night prior.
"I think Kuch had 'em covered with the boos, so I was flying under the radar," Wilson said with a smile, adding, "There were a couple cheers from the hometown crowd."
Overall, Wilson was happy to take in the experience back home, and seeing the passion of the fans was another highlight of his weekend.
"You realize the weight of hockey in Toronto... every walk of life, every person just so excited about hockey being in Toronto and that's what's super cool to me... You feel the buzz and you do feel it moving in the right direction," Wilson said.