Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was helped off the ice last night after being blindsided.
Wilson, a pretty popular target among his opposition, generated cheers from the Vegas Golden Knights crowd after being hit by Ryan Reaves.
Reaves received a five-minute major and game misconduct for the play, which was ruled as interference.
Wilson eventually made it back to his feet but was unable to leave the ice without help from teammates and Capitals’ personnel.
Each of 30 NHL teams should take up a collection tomorrow to contribute a portion of their paychecks to Ryan Reaves. Because no matter what anyone thinks of these hits, he did every single one of them an immense favor. And more than the NHL or NHLPA ever will. #DKPS #Penguins
— Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) December 5, 2018
Ryan Reaves just Tom Wilsoned Tom Wilson. #vegasborn #Allcaps
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) December 5, 2018
Let's put this out there. If you think a player should not get punished for a late hit to Tom Wilson just bc it's Tom Wilson, that's a bad opinion. Those rules are in place to protect Wilson just as much as any other player
— JJ Regan (@JJRegan41) December 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/FirstAidDos/status/1070178358024069121
"did u see that illegal hit ryan reaves did on tom wilson?" pic.twitter.com/WOBaYLrxTX
— Tony X (@soIoucity) December 5, 2018
Vicious hit by Ryan Reaves on Tom Wilson.
Wilson just got “Wilsoned”
Reaves ejected.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) December 5, 2018
Social media was buzzing when the hit and ejection happened late Tuesday night. Obviously, people weren’t afraid to show their displeasure with Wilson for his past actions.
If the fans are calling Reaves’ hit on Wilson a taste of his own medicine, Reaves may be disciplined by the NHL. Currently, there is no word from the NHL on whether Reaves will have a meeting with the Director of Player Safety.
Wilson did not return to last night’s contest. The Capitals play against the Coyotes Thursday night, and I’d say Wilson is at best a game-day decision on his status for the opening lineup.
We should receive more information Wednesday morning on Wilson’s projected length of absence and whether or not Reaves will be suspended or fined by the NHL DoPS.
Ryan Reaves on the Tom Wilson hit:
“That’s what happens when you run into a lion in the jungle.”#VegasBorn
— Vince Sapienza (@VinceSapienza) December 5, 2018
