Tom Wilson (Caps Outsider)
In Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Tom Wilson led the game with a “upper-body injury” and did not return after a blind-side hit from Ryan Reaves.
Wilson, who is known for his punishing hits, both legal and illegal, was on the receiving end this time.
Another look at Ryan Reaves' interference major on Tom Wilson. pic.twitter.com/JFBZwsSMcr
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) December 5, 2018
Tom Wilson hurt after blindside hit from Ryan Reaves pic.twitter.com/xsrs7LSMLd
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 5, 2018
Another look at Reaves on Wilson pic.twitter.com/Do2KnJ3EKr
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 5, 2018
As Reaves was given the five minute major and a game misconduct for the hit, some folks – even media members – said Wilson deserved what is likely a head injury.
Beloved
Received word that the war criminal Wilson from Washington's Militia was at long last brought to justice at the hands of Former Militia member Sgt Reaves. As is the norm, when evil men meet those willing to play their games they shrink and cower
Yours
Jaden#stlblues pic.twitter.com/ifGHEkB5oh— Civil War Blues (@CivilWarBlues) December 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/billynis/status/1070356839135633408
https://twitter.com/nick_jensen486/status/1070377119182712834
He deserves it. The hit was nothing like what Wilson does. The contact was to shoulder not head. Wilson deserved every bit of that. And we all appreciated Reaves for it.
— Benn Sturdevant (@BennSturdevant) December 5, 2018
Even members of a certain city media were celebrating the injury.
Ryan Reaves, man of the people, Part II …pic.twitter.com/2HBpYgO3Yr
— Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) December 5, 2018
Ryan Reaves is a legend. https://t.co/WpSGVOH3jv
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) December 5, 2018
Each of 30 NHL teams should take up a collection tomorrow to contribute a portion of their paychecks to Ryan Reaves. Because no matter what anyone thinks of these hits, he did every single one of them an immense favor. And more than the NHL or NHLPA ever will. #DKPS #Penguins
— Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) December 5, 2018
I am all for rivalries, but with rivalries there comes a certain level of respect. I don’t see members of DC media celebrating Crosby’s concussions. Hell, I hope he never has another head injury.
As Wilson told The Post, “But all that I’d have people know is that I have a ton of respect for the players that I play against, and I have a ton of respect for the players I play with. And when anyone gets hurt on the ice, you always hope that they’re okay.”
Regardless of what you think of Wilson and his behavior on the ice, you have to see he isn’t trying to injury anybody. It’s a shame when it happens, but that’s hockey. Cheering him being hurt is classless. Imagine if people were happy that you likely suffered brain damage? How would you feel? I know I don’t wish that on my worst enemies. If you are cheering a serious, long lasting injury to someone you have never met, it might be time to re-evaluate your priorities.
