Capitals Return Matthew Phillips To Hershey With Tom Wilson's Suspension Served; Wilson Expected Back vs. Penguins

Tom Wilson appears set to return to the Capitals lineup against the Penguins.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals will get a key member of the lineup back on Thursday, as Tom Wilson has served all six games of his suspension. In turn, the team has returned Matthew Phillips to the AHL's Hershey Bears.

Getting Wilson back will be huge for Washington, especially with Thursday's game being against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins and D.C. tied for the second Wild Card spot. T.J. Oshie is also dealing with an injury, so getting Wilson in the mix will help fill that void if Oshie can't play.

Wilson had been suspended on March 22 for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor. He had apologized to Gregor for the play, but his status as a repeat offender and the recklessness of the play led to the longer suspension, per the NHL Department of Player Safety.

As for Phillips, Hershey will benefit from his return, as he had three points in four games after joining the Bears. He was re-claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins at the start of March.