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Washington Capitals: The importance of Tom Wilson in 2019

By Michael Marzzacco

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 12: Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on March 12, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 12: Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on March 12, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Tom Wilson is beloved among Washington Capitals but hated among fan bases of rival teams.

For example, Pittsburgh Penguins fans see Tom Wilson as a predator. A guy who targets players and hits them. They aren’t wrong about one thing. The Washington Capitals right winger is known for his hard hits. But he is far from a predator.

Tom Wilson has an offensive upside and it was first shown in the 2017 playoffs against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. A game-winner in overtime in Game 1 and two goals in Game 4 in an eventual Capitals series win in six games.

Wilson additionally has a two-way game and hence, that’s where the controversy from other fanbases comes in. He’s had over 200 hits in all but one season in his NHL career.

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Last season though was his second-lowest right on the dot at 200. He also had a career-high 52 blocked shots all while playing in the least amount of games thanks to a lengthy suspension to start the season.

Yes he made some hits that weren’t the smartest but he has since cleaned up his game. For the most part, physicality is just the name of the game for the 6-foot-4, 218 pound winger that spent the season on the top line once he was back into the lineup.

Wilson made adjustments and scored a career-high 22 goals. He’ll be an important returning player for a mostly-veteran Capitals team. A full season of Wilson, if he continues to play a disciplined game, could see him reach even more potential.

Tom Wilson is more than just an important player on the Capitals though. He is an important face in the D.C. community and makes time to give back. Think I’m just saying this out of bias? Think again.

Wilson was nominated by the NHL as the Capitals representative for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee, an award given to the player that “best exemplifies leadership qualities among the team on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 13: A fan holds a sign for Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals (not pictured) during warm ups before the Capitals play against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 13: A fan holds a sign for Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals (not pictured) during warm ups before the Capitals play against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on April 13, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Whether it’s through his Forty Three’s Friend’s program through Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, So Kids Can or any team charitable activity such as the annual canine calendar, Wilson is always there to give back. Although that may not change the opinions of some hockey fans, mainly the ones in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, St. Louis or anywhere else, Wilson will always be beloved in Washington. And he loves the fans right back.

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