When the "Punishment" Doesn't Fit the Crime

Capitals forward Tom Wilson has gained a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the NHL.  He's been suspended five times, including a seven-game ban earlier this year for boarding the Bruins' Brandon Carlo.  It sure looked like he was in line for his sixth suspension after he completely lost his mind against the Rangers on Monday night.

If you haven't seen what happened or need a refresher, it all started about halfway through the second period.  Pavel Buchnevich was on the ice next to the Capitals net when Wilson decided to punch him in the head.  Ryan Strome jumped in to get Wilson off, at which point Wilson punched him, starting a larger incident.  Wilson then ended the altercation by body slamming a helmetless Artemi Panarin head-first into the ice.  Panarin, who almost certainly has a concussion, didn't return for the third period and won't play in the Rangers' final three games.  

And just when you thought he couldn't get any classier, Wilson puffed out his chest like a rooster and flexed while in the penalty box.  Because, you know, he's such a tough guy!

So, sucker punching three guys, injuring one of them, warrants a game misconduct, right?  Apparently not.  Wilson received a double minor and a 10-minute misconduct, but returned in the third period and even scored a late goal.  That's alright.  At least he had another lengthy suspension headed his way, right?  Well, as it turns out, the answer to that one is also "No."

The only discipline Wilson got for his actions was a $5,000 fine, the maximum allowable under the CBA.  No suspension.  And, making matters worse, there's no appeals process, so the NHL considers the matter closed.  If only that were actually the case.

Needless to say, the Rangers are less than pleased about the whole thing.  They didn't mix words after the game, calling his actions "reckless" and "dangerous."  Head Coach David Quinn called it "totally unnecessary" and said he crossed a line.  Mika Zibanejad went so far as to say he doesn't think Wilson has any respect for the game. 

That opinion hasn't changed.  In fact, Tuesday's lack of accountability has only made the Rangers angrier.  The team's statement was very strongly worded and made their disappointment very clear.  In fact, the Rangers called on George Parros to be removed from his job as head of the NHL Department of Player Safety, citing his "dereliction of duty."

Parros' reasoning for only issuing a fine was that he didn't see anything egregious.  The Buchnevich punch is what drew the fine.  The rest was considered to be "commonplace within the context of a scrum."  Seriously?!  What a joke!  Did he even watch the video?!  Body slamming a guy to the ice is "commonplace?"  In the NFL, you get ejected the second you close your fist and swing.  But in the NHL, actually landing punches on three different opponents apparently only warrants 14 penalty minutes, a $5,000 fine and nothing else.

There seems to be an agreement, both within the Rangers and within the NHL as a whole, that he's going to seriously injure somebody someday.  All because of a stupid, selfish bully.  Who'll keep acting like this as long as they let him get away with it.

Wilson isn't just a dirty player.  He's a repeat offender.  That should definitely be taken into consideration anytime he's involved in another situation like this.  Because the way he plays the game is dangerous.  This isn't the first time somebody has gotten injured as a result of Wilson's antics, and it probably won't be the last.  And, frankly, that should also be taken into consideration.  Would Artemi Panarin have gotten hurt if not for Tom Wilson?  No!  And if Panarin has to miss time, Wilson should too.

I'm not saying that there isn't room in hockey for that type of player.  Hockey is a physical game and tensions can run high, especially when you face the same teams over and over again.  Every team needs that guy who isn't afraid to protect his teammates and mix it up with the opponents when necessary.  How many players have made a career out of being enforcers?

However, there's a big difference between physical play and illegal play.  Physical play is part of the game and completely appropriate.  Illegal play is dangerous, and that's what gets people injured!  Tom Wilson doesn't just toe that line.  He often crosses it.  And he doesn't seem to care, either.  In fact, I think he enjoys playing the villain.

Bottom line, Tom Wilson should've been suspended for what he did against the Rangers on Monday night.  It wasn't hockey.  It was disgusting.  It was dangerous.  It was unnecessary.  It was vicious.  It was dirty. 

Unfortunately, the NHL dropped the ball on this one.  Instead of the lengthy suspension that many expected and seemed inevitable, Wilson was essentially given a slap on the wrist.  Which means he's free to continue acting like a goon.  Which he will.  I just hope he doesn't injure anybody next time.  Because there WILL be a next time.