Tom Wilson brought NHL-style enforcement to Olympic hockey during Canada’s 10-2 victory over France. The Washington Capitals winger dropped the gloves in the third period after Pierre Crinon delivered a forearm to Nathan MacKinnon’s head.
“Obviously fighting isn’t a big thing in this tournament, but when a guy takes a run at one of our big guys, that’s what Willy does,” three-time Olympian Drew Doughty said.
Wilson’s response came after Crinon hit MacKinnon with what Canada’s players considered a late, high check. Crinon received a two-minute minor penalty and apologized to MacKinnon afterward.
Canada scored 25 seconds into the ensuing power play. That wasn’t enough for Wilson.
“We didn’t like the hit: felt like it was late and high,” tournament leading scorer Connor McDavid said. “Willy just finishes a check and the guy jumps him, and Willy’s just protecting himself.”
Under International Ice Hockey Federation rules, fighting results in a game misconduct rather than the NHL’s five-minute major penalty. Both Wilson and Crinon were ejected with seven minutes remaining in what was already a decided game.
“We’re used to a lot more than that happening, so it was pretty harmless,” coach Jon Cooper said. “Sticking up for his teammates, that’s an easy one for him.”
Wilson also recorded a goal and an assist, giving him what’s known as a “Gordie Howe hat trick” – a goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game.
The 31-year-old winger is one of few new Canadian players who didn’t participate in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. That tournament featured three fights in the first nine seconds of Canada’s opener against the United States.
Wilson’s fight came exactly one year after those opening-faceoff brawls.
“Listen, I don’t think we can go through this tournament without seeing one,” Brandon Hagel said, smiling. “It was probably the talk about him coming to the tournament.”
MacKinnon was slow getting up after the hit and spent time on the bench before returning to action. He appreciated Wilson’s intervention.
“That guy obviously didn’t want to fight Tom,” MacKinnon said. “He just wanted to wrestle. I wouldn’t want to fight Tom either.”
Wilson brings both physicality and production to Canada’s lineup. He’s leading Washington with 49 points in 50 games this season while maintaining his reputation as an enforcer.
Cooper called Wilson “outstanding in the locker room.” The veteran winger is considered a likely successor to Alex Ovechkin as Capitals captain.
Fighting at the Olympics only reinforced Wilson’s standing with teammates.
“We know Willy’s got our backs,” Sam Bennett said. “He’s going to protect all our guys and bring the energy.”
Jordan Binnington, Canada’s goaltender known for his own feisty play, wasn’t surprised by Wilson’s actions.
“That’s hockey, right? That’s hockey,” Binnington said.
Wilson didn’t speak to reporters after the game, letting his teammates explain what everyone already understood about his role on the team.
