The Capitals winger was hurt after going in for a hit on Laferriere.
WASHINGTON — Tom Wilson isn't just an All-Star for the Washington Capitals, but he earned the title of a "warrior" postgame as he sported a bloodied and swollen nose following the team's 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings — and he didn't let that keep him out long, either.
Wilson went in for a hit on Alex Laferriere late in the third period and collided with him before he appeared to take the top of Laferriere's stick to the face. He was reaching for his nose and mouth as he headed off to the dressing room.
The 29-year-old wasn't gone for long, though, and returned to play with gauze in both nostrils despite the circumstances. He ultimately got to see John Carlson score the game-winning goal with 53 seconds to go in regulation, and then was put on the ice late with Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael to protect that lead.
Washington would ultimately hang on for the two points, putting the team in a tie for a Wild Card spot.
Wilson received kudos from his teammates following the injury, with head coach Spencer Carbery calling him a "warrior" in his postgame speech to the club. He was still bleeding as the media made its way into the locker room for interviews later on.
It is unclear whether or not the diagnosis is a broken nose, but Wilson was able to get fixed up in time to help the team secure a vital victory. He played 15:13 minutes en route to the win.
Wilson's return was reminiscent of a vintage Alex Ovechkin, who broke his nose against the Montreal Canadiens back in February 2008 and returned to score four goals.
The Capitals play next on Thursday as they host the Seattle Kraken.