On March 5, 2021, during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals, a significant incident occurred that would have lasting implications for both teams. In the first period, Capitals forward Tom Wilson delivered a hit to Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, resulting in Carlo being taken to the hospital. The following day, the NHL announced that Wilson had been suspended for seven games due to the boarding incident.
The Incident
The hit occurred at 18:27 of the first period when Wilson checked Carlo into the boards. The force of the hit caused Carlo to hit his head against the glass, rendering him unconscious. He was immediately attended to by medical personnel and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. There was no penalty called on the play, but the incident drew significant attention due to the severity of the injury and Wilson’s history of similar actions.
Carlo’s Condition
After spending the night in the hospital for observation, Brandon Carlo was released and returned home. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Carlo was back home and had not attended practice. The team did not provide further details on his condition, but the fact that he was released from the hospital was a positive sign.
Wilson’s Suspension
Following the incident, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety conducted a hearing with Tom Wilson to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. On March 7, 2021, the NHL announced that Wilson had been suspended for seven games without pay for boarding Brandon Carlo. This suspension meant that Wilson would miss the next two weeks of games, and he forfeited over $300,000 of his salary, which was directed to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Wilson’s History of Suspensions
This was not the first time Tom Wilson had faced disciplinary action from the NHL. In October 2018, he received a 20-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. The suspension was later reduced to 14 games upon appeal. Wilson’s reputation for delivering hits that border on the illegal has been a point of contention within the league and among fans.
Reactions and Implications
The incident sparked widespread discussion about player safety and the NHL’s approach to discipline. Many analysts and former players expressed concern over the severity of the hit and questioned whether the league was doing enough to protect players from such dangerous plays. The suspension of Wilson was seen by some as a necessary step to send a message about player safety, while others felt it was insufficient given Wilson’s history of similar infractions.
Conclusion
The hit on Brandon Carlo by Tom Wilson was a stark reminder of the physical nature of hockey and the potential dangers players face on the ice. While Carlo’s release from the hospital was a positive outcome, the incident highlighted ongoing concerns about player safety and the effectiveness of the NHL’s disciplinary measures. As the league continues to grapple with these issues, the hope is that such incidents will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize the well-being of players.
