Caps' Tom Wilson escapes suspension for late hit on Marchessault

Tom Wilson has escaped the long arm of the NHLlaw. This time at least.

The Washington Capitals forward found himself in hot water for the second time in these playoffs afterlevelling Vegas starJonathan Marchessaultwith a questionable open-ice hit during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Tom Wilson blindsides Jonathan Marchessault

6 years ago

Duration 1:25

Wilson was up to his old tricks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

The hit, which happenedabout six minutes into the third period and withthe score tied 4-4, camewell afterMarchessaulthad given up the puck. Hedid not appear to see Wilson approaching.

ESPN reported Tuesday that the the NHL'sDepartment of Player Safety did not deem the hit worthy of suspension, saying it was shoulder to shoulder and within the flow of the game.

Marchessault went to the Golden Knights' dressing room for concussion protocol testing but was cleared to return and came back to finish the game, which Vegas won 6-4.

Game Wrap: Nosek, Golden Knights beat Capitals in Game 1

6 years ago

Duration 1:43

Vegas defeat Washington Capitals 6-4 in Stanley Cup Final opener, Tomas Nosek 2 goals.

Wilson, who received a two-minute penalty for interference on the play, later called it a "good, clean hit."

Marchessaultdisagreed, calling it"a late hit" and expressing hope the league would "take care of it."

Wilsonwas previously banned for three games during Washington's second-round series against Pittsburgh fora head shot that broke the jaw ofPenguins rookie Zach Aston-Reese.

Tom Wilson: Pittsburgh Public Enemy #1

6 years ago

Duration 1:06

Capitals' winger Tom Wilson was back at it again in Game 3 with a massive hit on Zach Aston-Reese forcing him to leave the game.

Wilson was also forced to sit out two pre-season games and the first four games of the regular season for separate hits on two different St. Louis players.

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final goes Wednesday in Vegas.