When Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson got the nod for Canada’s Olympic roster, fans knew it was a matter of time before things got feisty.
It took Wilson three games to get down and dirty. To his credit, however, his bout on Sunday was not precisely his doing. He was lured into the contest by an underhanded French player looking to get under his skin.
Well, that player got more than he bargained for. Pierre Crinon got the horns after stirring up the Capitals’ bull. He also got a suspension by his own federation, not the Olympics. It’s funny how things work out.
That said, Wilson’s antics led to what appears to be the first-ever Gordie Howe hat trick at the Olympics. A Gordie Howe hat trick, named after the NHL legend, consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight.
Wilson checked off all three boxes. He scored Canada’s opening goal at the 8:41 mark of the first period. He also assisted on Connor McDavid’s goal 20 seconds into the third period. The Capitals’ forward completed the hat trick with about seven minutes to go in the third.
It’s worth noting that fighting is not officially allowed in Olympic competition. That’s why Wilson got the heave-ho in the game.
Meanwhile, neither of the two pugilists got a suspension. Team Canada certainly wasn’t going to suspend Wilson on its own volition. So, Wilson will go down in the annals of Olympic hockey as being a truly capable warrior.
Wilson Living Up to Expectations on Team Canada
Wilson’s inclusion in Team Canada’s roster was about adding some sandpaper to go with solid hockey skills. The Capitals’ veteran is no stranger to finding the back of the net. This season, he hass scored 23 goals and 49 points in 50 games.
Last season, he set career-highs with 33 goals and 65 points in 81 games. He has topped 20 goals three other times in his career.
Plus, his rough-and-tumble nature is exactly what Canada will be looking for in the hypothetical matchup against Team USA. The thought of Wilson clunking the heads of the Tkachuk brothers is something Canadian fans will be eager to see.
Of course, Canada will first need to get past its quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday.
Capitals Stars Making Most of His Opportunity
It’s worth pointing out that Wilson was not a part of Team Canada’s roster at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season. In fact, the Capitals star was a noticeable snub, prompting fans and the media to question roster choices.
Team Canada wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. Wilson got the nod this time around, and he has made the most of his opportunity. For the 31-year-old, this might be his only shot at the Olympics. That’s why it would be especially meaningful to go out with a gold medal.
Of course, several opponents want to challenge that assumption. So, it will be up to the Capitals’ vet to ensure his team gets the gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Capitals Wilson Notches First Olympic ‘Gordie Howe’ Hat Trick