Tom Wilson comments on his six game suspension

When the Washington Capitals take the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Caps will be getting back their lightning rod in Tom Wilson. After a six game suspension for a non intentional play, Wilson spoke to the media for the first time since the incident.

"I'm not trying to get him in the face at all... To get six games (suspension) is a tough pill to swallow. It felt like a long time. Obviously I got to control my stick better and that doesn't happen."

Wilson would also add there was no intent behind the play but "at the end of the day it is what it is. You can only control the future and help this team try to get into the playoffs."

In other news from practice, T.J. Oshie did not skate and his status for tomorrow's game against the Penguins is to be determined. Darcy Kuemper is also to be determined as he left practice early.

If Kuemper can't play, and the Caps have a back to back coming up, they may have to recall Hunter Shepard from the Hershey Bears. Earlier today the team loaned forward Matthew Phillips to the Hershey Bears.

Wilson has 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points in 66 games. That also includes four points in his last three games with two goals and two asists. Both of Wilson's goals came in big wins for the Caps on the road.

The first came in Vancouver against a good Canucks team and the second one came in Calgary in a 5-2 route of the Flames. Wilson has dealt with a lot in the middle of an all star season with the recent loss of his grandfather but he had an inspirational message to the team ironically the last time they played the Penguins.

So if you're a Tom Wilson hater and chances are you are one if you are an admirer of the Penguins, it's bad news for you that Tom Wilson will be back in the lineup. It's the best news you can receive this week if you're a Caps and DC sports fan.

Having Wilson back will be pivotal for the final eight games of the season. It's playoffs or bust now and Washington is currently in the driver's seat at the second wild card spot. It's up to them if they want to keep it or change gears to the third spot in the Metro division.