Tom Wilson. (Caps Outsider)
Caps rookie Tom Wilson scored his second career goal in the Capitals’ 4-2 win Thursday, his first since Nov. 5.
“It was great. Huge goal,” the 19-year-old said. “Beags [Jay Beagle] and I and Brooksy [Brooks Laich] were just trying to contribute offensively, and we did.”
The goal, which tied the game at two, was the first of a three-goal third period that Coach Adam Oates said, “Gave us a lot of life.” But for Wilson, its importance still doesn’t compare to his first goal, which was less consequential in the 6-2 victory against the Islanders.
“I’ll probably remember the first one longer, that was pretty special.” It also earned him a shaving cream pie to the face from Alex Ovechkin.
Wilson said his first AHL goal, with the Hershey Bears in the playoffs last season, involved defenseman Julien Brouillette, who earned an assist on Wilson’s goal. “I guess we kind of have a secret connection there, and it was pretty special.”
Oates agreed. “The play (Julien Brouillette) made, banking it off the boards perfectly like that – that was a great play, and obviously it worked. The bounce was right; it popped in the right spot. Brooksy (Brooks Laich) went to the net, took everybody, and put Willy (Wilson) in the right spot and got rewarded. It was a great play.”
