There’s no love lost between the Washington Capitals’ Tom Wilson and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Brayden Schenn. They fought in the preseason. Tonight, Wilson finished a solid-but-dangerous bodycheck on Schenn, who was positioned about six feet off the boards. Wilson drove through the numbers, drilling Schenn’s head into the end boards.
2 potential suspension from games tonight. Kyle Quincey drives Ryan Gezlaff face into boards & Tom Wilson hits Brayden Schenn from behind.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) December 18, 2013
Schenn did turn at last second, was in a vulnerable position but league has suspended for hits into boards often this yr Could go either way
— Katie Carrera (@kcarrera) December 18, 2013
Not sure Schenn didn't put himself in that position to get hit like that. I guess you have to call it though
— Rick Tocchet (@RealRocket22) December 18, 2013
After the hit, Flyers defenseman Nick Grossmann immediately challenged Wilson. Wilson’s night ended after the fight, as he racked up five for charging, five for fighting, and a game misconduct.
Schenn’s night was done as well. He stumbled multiple times as he tried to leave the ice before being helped to the trainer’s room.
Wilson should expect a call from Shanahan in the morning. This likely won’t end up with an in-person hearing. I’m saying two games max. Schenn turned and put himself in a dangerous position. Not much Wilson could’ve done to pull up at that point, but he had to try. Based on the outcome (injury severity notwithstanding), I see the league sentencing him to a short suspension.
