The NHL is taking a closer look at the hit Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson delivered to Blue Jackets center Alexander Wennberg in Columbus' 4-3 overtime win in Game 1 of the teams' Eastern Conference quarterfinals series Thursday night, according to a report from the Washington Post:
The NHL Department of Player Safety reviews all hits, and Wilson’s charging infraction on Columbus center Alexander Wennberg is in the process of being examined, according to a source.
Wilson delivered an elbow to Wennberg's head at 18:42 of the third period. The Columbus forward, who scored his first career playoff goal earlier in the night, did not return to the game, with the club announcing he suffered an “upper-body” injury.
The hit earned Wilson a charging penalty and the Blue Jackets capitalized quickly with Thomas Vanek scoring a power play goal 13 seconds later to tie the game at two.
Wilson has a history of suspensions, including two this season. As a repeat offender, he could be staring down a suspension ahead of Sunday's Game 2.
The league may also follow up on a hit Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson delivered to Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny in the first period of Thursday night's game. Anderson earned a major penalty and a game misconduct ejection for the hit.
The Blue Jackets and Capitals will meet Sunday at Capital One Arena for Game 2 of the series.
