Washington Capitals right winger Tom Wilson (43) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal in the third period in Game 2 of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Capitals' Tom Wilson shows his value in Game 2 win

By Adam Gretz | Last updated May 8, 2025 11:37 PM ET

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson is the classic love-hate player in the NHL. You likely love him if he plays for your team and you likely hate him if he does not.

While he is widely known for playing an aggressively physical game — and sometimes a reckless one that results in suspensions — he is also an outstanding two-way player that can directly impact games. He showed that on Thursday night in the Capitals' 3-1 win in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Carolina Hurricanes.

It might have been one of the best and most impactful games he has ever played.

He finished with a goal and an assist in nearly 20 minutes of ice-time, while also recording three shots on goal, blocking two shots and recording two hits. His goal was an empty-net tally late in the third period to put the game away, while his assist was a sensational pass to set up defenseman John Carlson for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

WHIP IT GOOD, CARLY#ALLCAPS | @aerovironment pic.twitter.com/KEwtqFcuoS
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 9, 2025

While the offense certainly played a huge role in the outcome, it was his defensive play that helped make the difference.

Wilson made at least five sensational defensive plays to either block shots, break-up passes or just disrupt the Hurricanes' offensive zone forecheck. He was everywhere, and they probably do not win this game without him.

After the game Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Wilson "set the tone" for the win, while also calling him the team's leader.

When Wilson first entered the NHL he was an, at times, out-of-control depth forward that had a difficult time keeping his physical play in check. He didn't score a lot, and wasn't always the most impactful contributor.

But he has consistently improved his all-around play, and has now reached a point where he is a 30-goal scorer that can play legitimately great shutdown defense. He is playing on his second long-term contract with the Capitals and has proven himself to be worth every penny they have paid him over the years.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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