The men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament sees the return of NHL players and the first fight since the 1998 Games.
During Team Canada’s 10-2 blowout win over France on Sunday, forward Tom Wilson fought Pierre Crinon during the third period. Crinon hit Team Canada star forward Nathan MacKinnon in the head, which Wilson took exception to while he was on the bench.
The next time the two were on the ice, Wilson and Crinon dropped the gloves and fought, which isn’t something you see in International events. Although most assumed Wilson would be kicked out and handed an automatic suspension, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said during the CBC broadcast that he likely won’t be suspended.
“I just want to clarify one thing, there is a lot of confusion,” Friedman said. “Tom Wilson is not automatically suspended for the fight. They could, in theory, go to supplementary discipline, I can’t imagine they will for that. There were people wondering if it’s an automatic one-gamer, it’s not.”
Wilson has played on Team Canada’s top line alongside Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini at times.
After the game concluded, Friedman confirmed that Wilson won’t be suspended.
“There will be no further discipline for Tom Wilson or Pierre Crinon Crinon clear for qualifying round Wilson clear for quarterfinal,” Friedman wrote on X.
Why Did Team Canada’s Tom Wilson Fight?
Wilson fought Crinon due to his hit on MacKinnon.
MacKinnon was slow to get up, and Team Canada forward Mark Stone confirmed after the game that the gritty forward wasn’t happy with the hit.
“He didn’t like the hit. That’s all,” Stone said after the game of Wilson fighting.
Team Canada captain, Sidney Crosby, also praised Wilson after the win for the game he’s been playing at the Olympics.
“I think everyone is trying to play physical, and he’s one of the guys that brings that,” Crosby said after the game on the CBC broadcast. “He’s tough to defend in and around the net. Besides his physical play, just finding loose pucks as he did on his goal there, that type of style. Getting in the front of the net. Winning battles in the corners, creating space, I think he’s been able to do that as well. But, I think what stands out the most is his physicality.”
Wilson has 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 Olympic games so far for Team Canada. He completed the ‘Gordie Howe hat trick’ on Sunday by scoring a goal, recording an assist, and getting into a fight.
Canada Likely to Be No. 1 Seed
Team Canada cruised to a blowout 10-2 win over France on Sunday, which should secure the team as the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
Being the No. 1 seed in the tournament is also critical, as all signs point to the No. 2 seed – likely Team USA – having to face Sweden in the quarterfinals.
Team USA needs to beat Germany by 10+ goals on Sunday to become the No. 1 seed, which does seem unlikely. The odds for the game have the United States as a 3.5-goal favorite.
USA will take on Germany at 3:10 p.m. ET on Sunday. Following the game, the matchups will be set for the qualifying games on Tuesday.
Will Tom Wilson Be Suspended After Fighting in Team Canada’s Win?