Crosby: Wilson hasn't learned from past suspensions

Sidney Crosby has spoken.

Asked about Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson's hit on St. Louis Blues center Oskar Sundqvist, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain sounded off on the winger's apparent inability to learn from his past punishments.

"We've talked about it a lot with him. He still chooses to make those hits. I'm sure the league's well aware of that," Crosby told Jonathan Bombulie of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I just don't know how many opportunities you need. Obviously, the point hasn't been made yet."

Wilson's been invited to an in-person disciplinary hearing, meaning the NHL could ban him for at least five games. His last suspension came in the second round of the 2018 postseason when he was banned for three games following an illegal check to the head of the Penguins' Zach Aston-Reese.

Crosby added that Wilson's game has plenty more to offer than reckless hits.

"He's a good player," Crosby said. "He's got speed. He goes hard to the net. He's a tough guy to play against. There's really no reason to continue to hit like that."

Wilson finished last season with a career-high 35 points before adding another 15 playoff points en route to the Stanley Cup. His performance landed him a six-year, $31-million extension this summer.

Should Wilson be suspended, Crosby won't have to worry about facing him in the Penguins' season opener on Oct. 4, which will also mark the second game of the year for the Capitals.