Caps winger Wilson banned 20 games for preseason hit
WASHINGTON >> Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson was banned 20 games by the NHL Wednesday for a blindside hit to the head of an opponent during a preseason game, the latest and most severe punishment in what the league called 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 — only five players have been suspended longer for on-ice play — and $1.26 million in salary. It was announced just hours before the reigning Stanley Cup champion Capitals opened their title defense.
The right winger, who plays on Washington’s top line with captain Alex Ovechkin, was ejected for the hit on Blues center Oskar Sundqvist in the second period of the teams’ exhibition game Sunday. Wilson had an in-person hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety in New York Wednesday.
The video released to explain the punishment says: “Wilson delivers a high, forceful hit, which makes Sundqvist’s head the main point of contact on a hit where such head contact was avoidable and causes an injury.” It also admonishes him for taking “a poor angle of approach.”
Blues coach Mike Yeo called the hit “predatory.”
Wilson’s suspension, which he can appeal, is the longest handed down by the league since Raffi Torres of the Sharks was banned a record 41 games in 2015, also for a preseason hit.
The league noted that Wilson “is considered a repeat offender” — and, indeed, this is hardly the first time the sixth-year player has been in trouble for the way he has taken out an opponent.
He was suspended twice because of preseason hits a year ago, then had to sit out three games during the playoffs for a check to the head that broke Pittsburgh Penguins center Zach Aston-Reese’s jaw and caused a concussion.
“In short, including preseason and postseason games played, this is Wilson’s fourth suspension in his last 105 games, an unprecedented frequency of suspensions in the history of the Department of Player Safety,” the NHL video says.
Canucks player says team has ‘Fortnite’ ban for season
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA >> A day after Vancouver forward Bo Horvat said the Canucks have instituted a Fortnite ban for the upcoming season, there was talk in NHL arenas about whether it is fair to blame the popular online game for performance on the ice.
Winnipeg star Patrik Laine, who plays and enjoys the game, suggested the Canucks needed a scapegoat.
“I think they just needed something to blame after last year,” Laine said in an obvious shot at the Canucks’ 31-40-11 record last season. “And we kind of made a deal if we’re playing like that, we can give up our PlayStations so we’re not going to take them on the road. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Asked about the comment Wednesday, Canucks forward Jake Virtanen said Fortnite hasn’t been an issue and added: “Whatever. I don’t really care what he says.”
Sabres award captaincy to Eichel
BUFFALO, N.Y. >> Center Jack Eichel has been selected captain of the Buffalo Sabres.
Eichel becomes the Sabres’ 16th full-time captain, and first to wear the “C” since Brian Gionta handled the role from 2014-15 to 201617. Buffalo went with alternate captains the past two years.
Eichel is entering his fourth season since being selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft.