CAPS’ WILSON GETS 20-GAME BAN
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was banned 20 games by the NHL Wednesday for a blindside hit to the head of an opponent during the pre-season, a punishment reflecting an “unprecedented” series of suspensions for the physical player.
Wilson’s fourth ban in less than 13 months will cost him nearly a quarter of the 82-game regular season and US$1.26 million in salary. It was announced hours before the reigning Stanley Cup champion Capitals raised a banner and opened their title defence by hosting the Boston Bruins.
The right winger drew a 10-minute penalty for the hit on St. Louis Blues centre Oskar Sundqvist in the teams’ exhibition game Sunday. Wilson’s suspension is the longest in the NHL for on-ice play since Raffi Torres of the San Jose Sharks was banned 41 games in 2015, also for a preseason hit.