Top 3 key Capitals to watch against Golden Knights

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Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson scored his second goal of the season on Thursday night at Arizona. In six games this season, Wilson has recorded three points with two goals and one assist.

Since making his debut on Jan. 8 vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets, Wilson leads the Capitals in hits with 27. He ranks sixth in the NHL in hits with 1,969 since the 2013-14 season, his first NHL season. He missed the Caps first 42 games of the season after undergoing ACL surgery. He hurt himself in Game 1 of the playoffs last season against the Florida Panthers.

Last season, Wilson set career highs in goals with 24, 28 assists, 52 points and 10 power play points and ranked tied for second on the Capitals in goals and fourth in assists and points.

Wilson has become the most reliable player since being back into the lineup. And the slow start to the regular season meant his presence was missed. Now that he’s back he’s wrecking things.

Someday Wilson will be an important part of the future. I could see the captaincy going to him on that dreadful day Alex Ovechkin decides to hang it up. He will be an important leader for those upcoming prospects and youth.

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