Capitals' Tom Wilson suspended three games for hit on Penguins' Zach Aston-Reese

After an over-the-phone hearing on Tuesday, the NHL decided that Capitals forward Tom Wilson will receive a three-game suspension for his hit on Pittsburgh’s Zach Aston-Reese.

The Penguins forward sustained a broken jaw and a concussion on the play, though no penalty was assessed at the time. Aston-Resse will need surgery to repair his jaw.

Tom Wilson is receiving his first suspension of the post-season. As a player who teeters on the line of what is legal and illegal, Wison has been linked to a few other close calls in the playoffs. The game before his hit on Aston-Reese, Wilson delivered another questionable check to Brian Dumoulin.

The hit saw the Penguins defenseman head to the locker room, but Wilson was not suspended for the incident. The Capitals power forward also escaped punishment for this hit in round one to Blue Jackets’ Alex Wennberg. The Columbus forward missed three games due to the hit.

Tom Wilson’s suspension severely affects Washington as the team now has to fill a void at right-wing on their top line for the next three games.

The suspension will commenceThursday night Game 4 of the Eastern Conference series. The Capitals currently lead the series 2-1.

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