No suspension for Capitals forward Tom Wilson. Only a fine.
That’s what the NHL’s Department of Player Safety decided after Wilson kneed Pittsburgh’s Conor Sheary last night in Washington.
The fine of $2,403.67 is the maximum allowable under the CBA, and, at the very least, it puts Wilson on official notice.
Wilson was not penalized on the play, and Sheary was able to leave the ice under his own power and remain in the game.
“We’re just going to play hockey, and the refs are going to call it the way they see it,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told reporters afterwards. “Our guys are going to play.”
This morning, Capitals coach Barry Trotz reportedly said of the play, “It was OK, but it wasn’t I would say necessary.”