Wilson proving an unlikely complement to Ovechkin, Backstrom
Washington Capitals head coach Barry Trotz has juggled his lines more this season than perhaps any other bench boss in the NHL, but he may have finally found a trio that could stick: Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and ... Tom Wilson?
Yes, Wilson, the team's bodyguard, has gelled with two of the league's most skilled players. Heading into Wednesday night's tilt with the Chicago Blackhawks, the line had already proved to be one of the team's best (only lines with at least 50 five-on-five minutes together were included):
| Stat | Result | Team rank |
|---|---|---|
| CF% | 55.94 | 3rd |
| GF% | 75 | 2nd |
| xG+/- | 0.5 | 2nd |
| P+/- | +5 | 1st |
Legend:
CF% = Corsi For percentage
GF% = Goals For percentage
xG+/- = Expected goals plus/minus
P+/- = Penalty differential
These numbers are about to rise, as Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Wilson combined for 11 points in Washington's 6-2 victory. Wilson's four points set a new career high, and he made some team history on the way.
Tom Wilson is the first player in Capitals franchise history to record consecutive 3-point games against the Blackhawks. #CapsHawks
— Matt Williams (@MWilliamsPR) December 7, 2017
If Wilson can stick on this line, the 23-year-old should easily surpass his career high of 23 points while providing Washington's top unit with a physical element.
(Stats courtesy: Corsica)