Tom Wilson: The Best Bang for Your Buck

Not so long ago, the NHL was different. Not better, not worse, just different. The game was played at a manic pace, goals were scored at a clip, higher than was ever seen before, or since. Skaters like Gretzky, Lemieux, and Messier, and goalies like Patrick Roy ruled the game. Enforcers were still a threat, dueling out punishment to low blow players and rule breakers. With fights per game taking a drastic tailspin in recent years, it’s no surprise the enforcer, the rough and tumble policemen of the game, are disappearing. There are still a few great fighters in the league, who are willing to drop the gloves on a daily basis, but rarely even get to fight. But a young player, from the Washington Capitals is making his name, and is a blast from the past.

Tom Wilson was in in Toronto, ON, Canada on March 29, 1994. He played his junior hockey in the GTHL for the Toronto Jr. Canadians, and eventually played is ameteur for the Plymouth Whalers, posting impressive points totals for his position. Wilson is a Right Winger, who shoots right, but has a nastier right hook. When Wilson was first introduced into the starting lineup for the Caps in Game 5 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoff quarterfinals against the New York Rangers. Wilson instantly made an impact through his style of physical play and willingness to go after anyone on the ice. While he didn’t fight in the playoffs, he showed strength and a no fear attitude when he was on the ice. Wilson had his first NHL fight the next season in October, against Lance Bouma of the Calgary Flames.

The reason why Wilson is such an important player for the Capitals stems from his no fear attitude. Wilson doesn’t fly off the rails like some tough guys in the NHL, when he’s skating, fighting, or seeking a hit, he’s focused, not incensed. His ability to keep a calm demeanor while imitating a heat seeking missile in the ice is one of the things that sets him apart. Wilson even fights differently. While he is stellar when dueling in fisticuffs, Wilson excels at an important aspect of the fight, the takedown. The takedown is the easiest way to finish a fight, the other guy is face up on the ice, he’s an easy target, and the refs will probably stop the fight. Wilson is great at this move, knowing when and where to shift his weight and pull the other skater down for a solid shot. His no fear attitude translates into other facets of his game. Wilson hits hard, harder than most wingers in the NHL nowadays, and when he hits, he may go flying, but the other guy is flying farther. Wilson also possesses a shooters touch, despite his hard nosed style, a rare trait for a heavy hitter.

Tom Wilson is one of the most important part of the Washington Capitals. Sure he doesn’t score 50 goals a year, or lead the team in assists, but his brings a value to his game that many skaters miss on a regular basis. His teammates feel secure, knowing he is on the ice, ready to pounce on a loose puck, or a loose cannon. Wilson will continue to develop his game, and may one day score those 50 goals, while still lending his fists to opposing players faces. His wild, exciting style of play ramps up the crowd and has helped the Caps reach the top of the NHL.