One of the most talked about moments of the Washington Capitals’ four-game, first-round series against the New York Rangers occurred during Game Three between Tom Wilson and Matt Rempe.
After throwing two hits in the game that injured Trevor van Riemsdyk and TJ Oshie, Wilson had seen enough and challenged the hulking winger to a fight.
Rempe, perhaps going against The Code, refused to throw down with Wilson.
Rempe, who averaged 6:46 of ice time per game in the series, could have taken the much more valuable Wilson off of the ice for five minutes but declined for what Wilson kindly assumes were momentum-related reasons. The Capitals’ big winger says he would have taken the trade anyway despite how little Rempe plays for New York.
“It’s hockey,” Wilson said Tuesday. “You’re weighing a lot of different options in situations like that. Is it the right time? Do I really want to sit in the box for seven or eight minutes with him? I just felt like there’s a certain point where he hits enough of your teammates — that are kind of borderline hits — that it doesn’t matter whether it’s the playoffs or a big game, it doesn’t mean anything, it’s still hockey, you can still stand up for your teammates.”
Wilson tied for the Capitals’ postseason lead in scoring with three points (1g, 2a) in four games and played on average the third-most of any Caps forward (19:02). Earlier in his career, Wilson would drop the gloves at any time against anyone but as he’s matured has been increasingly more selective with his bouts.
The Capitals having Wilson on the ice instead of in the box is almost always the better decision. Knowing that, Wilson threw a parting shot at Rempe, insinuating that the oft-bench-warmer may never get another shot at fisticuffs with him.
“I felt like in that moment I wanted to do that. He didn’t want to do it,” Wilson said cracking a wry smile. “He obviously didn’t want the momentum in the game to change. They were winning at the time, I think. I don’t know, maybe that’ll be his one chance. We’ll see.”
A fight Wilson at this stage in his career would be another big name checked off of Rempe’s fight card and an honor that not many around the league get to claim these days. Through just 17 career games, Rempe has already crossed off many of the league’s top knuckle chuckers, including Wilson’s longtime nemesis, Ryan Reaves.
Rempe’s other opponents include former Wilson foes Ross Johnston, Matt Martin, and Nicolas Deslauriers as well as noted tough guys Kurtis MacDermid and Mathieu Olivier. He has also previously fought Hershey Bears defensemen Dmitry Osipov and Dylan McIlrath while in the AHL.
Wilson is the biggest fish of them all though and it sounds like he may not take the bait in the future. Tom fought just five times this past year, nine less than his previous career high.
