Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is the classic love-hate player in the NHL. You likely love him if he plays for your team and you likely hate him if he does not.
While he is widely known for playing an aggressively physical game — and sometimes a reckless one that results in suspensions — he is also an outstanding two-way player that can directly impact games. He showed that on Thursday night in the Capitals’ 3-1 win in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes.
It might have been one of the best and most impactful games he has ever played.
He finished with a goal and an assist in nearly 20 minutes of ice-time, while also recording three shots on goal, blocking two shots and recording two hits. His goal was an empty-net tally late in the third period to put the game away, while his assist was a sensational pass to set up defenseman John Carlson for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
