NHL hammer comes down hard on Capitals Tom Wilson for hit on Bruins Brandon Carlo
Anthony Scultore
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Tom Wilson may have gotten away with it in the game Friday night. However, he didn’t escape punishment from the NHL. Late yesterday, the Department of Player came down on the Capitals’ Wilson for his high boarding hit on Brandon Carlo of the Bruins.
NHL Suspends Tom Wilson for seven games
The video below explains that Wilson’s hit “approaches from outside [Carlo’s] field of vision and delivers a high – hard hit that makes direct contact with Carlo’s head and causes an injury. This is boarding.”
NHL DOPS notes in the suspension video that Carlo was defenseless. They also note that they agreed with the Capitals. Wilson could deliver a hit that doesn’t result in a supplemental discipline because it is legal to so on unsuspecting opponents.
“While there are aspects of this hit that may skirt the line between suspendable and not suspendable, it is the totality of the circumstances that cause this play to merit supplemental discipline.”
Ultimately, the NHL DOPS noted that Wilson being a repeat offender is why they decided to do it. The suspension will result in a loss of over $300,000 to Wilson.
The Bruins announced today that Carlo is doing well after being released from the hospital and will miss significant time.