Wilson defends check: Marchessault said 'good hit' when he got up
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has become known for his menacing hits, and that didn't change Monday following another controversial incident.
Shortly after scoring a goal in the third period, Wilson leveled Vegas Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault with a late open-ice check that briefly sent his opponent into the concussion protocol.
Wilson, who received a two-minute minor for interference on the play, defended himself following Washington's 6-4 loss.
"You always have your reputation," he said via Greg Wyshynski of ESPN. "When you play my physical style, you’re going to have that reputation. I trust myself. I play the game hard. It’s my job to bring that energy, that physicality. Right after he (Marchessault) got up he said 'good hit.'"
Although Wilson only received a two-minute penalty for the hit, many fans and reporters speculated about potential supplementary discipline from the league. However, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz was thoroughly unconcerned about his power forward's availability for the next game of the series.
Trotz on Tom Wilson: “I expect him to play in Game 2”
— Steve Carp (@stevecarprj) May 29, 2018
Predictably, the Golden Knights didn't share Wilson and Trotz's viewpoint.
Ryan Reaves on the Wilson hit on Marchessault: "it was a late, blindside hit like Wilson always does."
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 29, 2018
The Stanley Cup Final resumes in Las Vegas on Wednesday.