WASHINGTON — Over the last few years, Tom Wilson has evolved into a completely different player for the Washington Capitals. And now, he's added 30-goal scorer to his already impressive resumé.
Wilson hit the 30-goal mark in Tuesday's win over the Detroit Red Wings, becoming just the fourth player in NHL history to reach that milestone after playing in over 750 games.
"I never really thought too much about it, and then when you get close, obviously, it's something that you really want to do," Wilson said.
The 30-year-old winger has played a pivotal role down the stretch, skating on all four lines, playing power play and penalty kill and building on his career year while logging the most ice time yet. He has points in seven of his last eight games, and over that span, D.C. is 7-1-0.
"He's like as advertised. It sucks playing against him, way better to have him on your side," Brandon Duhaime said. "He's an absolute nail gun."
"One of the premier players in the league," Dylan Strome added. "I don't think there's any doubt about that... he's found ways to kind of do it all. A guy that you love to have on your team and you hate to play against."
Wilson credited his teammates for playing a major role in his success this season, but his totals and individual accolades are also testaments to the work he's put in to transform his game.
"(Thirty goals is) another feather in his cap for the uniqueness of his identity as a player... how hard he plays and the style of game that he plays, that's a huge accomplishment," coach Spencer Carbery said, adding, "No one will ever be able to take that away from him."
He's gone from a hard-hitting grinder to a top winger and leader, one who is poised to be the next captain, and he's also shown that he ranks up there with the NHL's elite performers.
"The guy's the heart and soul of this team," Logan Thompson said.
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Fo Wilson, though, it's just all part of being a Capital.
"Every time you're putting on that jersey, you want to be the best player you can be," Wilson told The Hockey News, adding, "I think you can get stuck in the day-to-day sometimes, and every once in a while, you have to reflect and stop and think about how lucky you are, you know, count your blessings.
"It's been a heck of a ride, it's been 12 years of an amazing journey, amazing organization and a big win in 2018," Wilson said. "There are times when you have to stop and reflect and appreciate where you're at. Everyone in this room is extremely competitive. If you're not competitive, if you're not getting better, there's going to be a young guy that comes in and tries to take your job."