Tom Wilson plays his game on the edge — and sometimes over it. Last night, Wilson delivered a massive hit on the Vancouver Canucks’ Filip Chytil, who needed help getting off the ice. Now, fans are calling out Wilson for what they say was a late and dangerous hit.
The Vancouver Canucks won their third straight road game on Sunday, defeating the Washington Capitals 4–3. But it was an expensive victory, as both Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Filip Chytil left the game with injuries.
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Late hit from Tom Wilson
Chytil had to be helped off the ice after taking a late hit from Wilson in the final minute of the first period. Moving through the neutral zone, Chytil chipped the puck away just before being leveled by Wilson. He didn’t see the hit coming and did not return to the game. Wilson was not penalized for the play, which broadcasters called “a terrible hit.”
Chytil has a troubling injury history, including several concussions — one of which sidelined him for much of last season.
Fans are furious
Fans were quick to criticize both Wilson and the league for allowing the play to go unpunished, especially given Wilson’s history of injuring opponents.
“Tom Wilson is the most dangerous player in the NHL. Him running at Chytil like this unprompted is a joke. No penalty on this play only enables him to continue garbage like this,” one fan wrote.
“If that happened to McDavid or Matthews, there would be a criminal investigation,” another added.
“The NHL Player Safety department is an absolute joke!” a third fan wrote.
Next, the Canucks will face the Pittsburgh Penguins on the road, while the Capitals will host the Seattle Kraken at home.
You can watch the hit below.
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