Despite the last loss the Washington Capitals aren't terrible and as a town we'll take it. Leading the charge has been Tom Wilson. Despite not being ranked among the Blearcher Report power rankings earlier in the month, we think he should be in the conversation for the Hart Trophy and here's why.
Line Chemistry with PLD
We're all happy that Pierre-Luc Dubois is adjusting well to his new teammates in town and the best part is him and Tom Wilson have helped form a 1-2 punch. He has an expected goals for percentage of 63.47 percent at all strengths. Duois and Wilson also formed good friendships.
Sammi Silber of The Hockey News writes that "After being traded to D.C., Dubois showed his girlfriend highlights of the kind of player Wilson is, to which his girlfriend ramarked that he's happy playing with number 43 now instead of against him."
Best goalscorer in the league
Wilson leads the Caps with five goals through seven games. After getting back from ACL surgery last year, that's a big improvement. Now he's a fearless leader and well more rounded than in prevous years. He had more time to recover and it helped him reach his potential.
Wilson is expected to make the Four Nations Face Off
Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Wilson is a leading candidate to make his country's roster for this first tournament. Part of that is the dominace of that second line with PLD and Connor McMichael.
"He's feeling it right now. Hottest player in the league."Alex Ovechkin
"It's really impressive. I feel like every time I give him the puck, I'm going to get an assist. He's just gotta keep shooting the puck right now. He's hot as can be, and it's fun to watch. "Connor McMichael
But it's not only what Wilson does on the ice but off the ice. He's granted wishes. Someday there might as well be a statue of him next to Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom if he keeps giving back. Maybe not. But... as an alternate captain in the wake of T.J. Oshie's injury he's stepped in when others failed to do so.
Oh and the best part of all is that he's not going anywhere. A year ago he signed that seven year contract. That's a lock for a while including an era we'll choose not to talk about at this moment.