First off, I hope Tom Wilson is okay. I speak for all Capitals fans in saying that I hope he’s fine and that he’ll be back soon. He’s my favorite player on the Capitals, and has injected life into the Capitals since his return. I also speak for Caps fans in saying I am not a fan of Ryan Reaves. I don’t hate the guy, but then again I don’t hate anybody. However, what he did last night has caused a GIGANTIC stir among Capitals fans and hockey fans everywhere.
Just to recap, Ryan Reaves laid a late hit on Tom Wilson in the 2nd Period of the game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals. This hit caused a 5 minute major and game misconduct to Reaves, and Wilson to leave the game with an injury after his head hit the ice.
I’m not gonna sit here and say what everyone said is right or wrong. I’m not like that. This is my take though. I have watched that video time after time to try and look at it and see if it’s a suspension. It was a late hit 100%, and he deserved a penalty, I’m not questioning that. Wilson and Reaves had been jawing at each other all night, something like this was bound to happen. However, I don’t see this as a lengthy suspension hit, as did the DOPS. Reaves hit Wilson late, but didn’t make head contact. Wilson’s helmet went flying off and his head slammed the ice causing the injury. I thought honestly what Reaves got in the game was enough. If you watch the video in fast time, I can totally see the rationale for the 5 minute major and game misconduct. But a suspension I don’t see.
Now, where I get a little pissed off is every other “hockey” fan, and the DOPS. I’m gonna start with these “fans”. If you wish harm onto another player, you are complete scum. Being happy another player is injured and “got what he deserved” is just sick. There’s a variety of guys in the NHL I don’t like (Reaves being one of those), however I would NEVER wish harm onto any player. People saying Wilson got what he deserved, no. He is physical and is going to get under everyone’s skin, just like Marchand, Reaves, and Shaw would anyone else. I think Marchand is dirtier than Wilson, but you don’t see people saying “He deserves that because he’s the biggest dirtbag in the NHL”, when he spears a guy in the junk. Just saying.
Now the DOPS. God, I will never understand this group of bafoons. I don’t know what constitutes an illegal check, or play anymore. Oshie got slammed into the ice like Triple H did in the WWE, but nothing came out of that. Wilson’s hit on Seney, Reaves hit on Edler both were NOT deemed suspendible by the DOPS. And now, the Wilson hit is not deemed illegal. It is UNCLEAR what these people think is an illegal hit, and it is frustrating. I think if the Reaves hit on Wilson was to the head, then I would be ranting how it needs to be a suspension. The only reason it isn’t one is because Reaves hit him shoulder first.
Lastly, what Ryan Reaves said about the Wilson hit is despicable. I don’t hate him, but I strongly despise this guy after those remarks. He said “he was just looking at his pass and ran into a lion in the jungle”. Are you kidding me with that? You knew that he wasn’t even looking at you, and DIDN’T EVEN HAVE THE PUCK BUT YOU JUST SAY F*%@ IT AND HIT HIM LATE AND KNOCK HIM OUT OF THE GAME?!?! To quote Grant Paulsen “he is a clown”. Wilson may have questionable hits that he might question, but he would NEVER say anything like this. Just an absolute clown. I still don’t hate him, just strongly despise him. But, I have lost all respect for Ryan Reaves after those comments. Period.
