A Gordie Howe hat trick!

[WestMichRad]

Tom Wilson, captain of the Washington Capitals, lodged a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) in the Caps’ most recent game, a 6-3 win over the NY Rangers on New Year’s Eve. He scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, then later scored another goal and tallied an assist… and got into a fight later in the second period. Well done, sir!

Wilson was also just named to the Team Canada squad for the upcoming Olympic Games.

[True Dough]

1. Something that Elliotte Friedman pointed out about Wilson

is that while he still plays with an edge, he seems to be maturing and not as reckless out there on the ice.

For example, he recently had Connor McDavid lined up for what would have been a devastating hit but he just gave him a little bump instead.

Now, that may be because he didn't want to take the NHL's top player out of action for a long period and hear about it from the league.

But it also might be because he and McDavid will be Team Canada teammates at the Olympics in a couple of months.

Either way, Wilson has really shown himself to be a tremendous all-around player last season and again this year.