Tom Wilson's Gesture Shows Capitals' Frustration After Stars Game
The Washington Capitals dropped a tightly contested game 1–0 to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, but the loss wasn’t without theatrics.
Forward Tom Wilson caught attention again, this time for mocking what he clearly considered to be a Radek Faksa dive with another of his usual antics.
Wilson was called for two penalties in the first 21 minutes of the game. On his second infraction, Faksa fell dramatically to the ice following contact from Wilson’s stick.
Officials whistled the play dead, and Wilson’s reaction was immediate while skating toward the penalty box.
Wilson decided to mock Faksa with an exaggerated arm throw and two knee drops, mimicking what he viewed as an obvious flop by the Stars forward, with Faksa smiling back at him in response.
Wilson's former teammate, T.J. Oshie, speaking on ESPN’s intermission coverage, couldn’t help but comment.
“Is there anybody more animated going to the box than Tom?” Oshie joked, per RMNB, discussing Wilson’s gesture.
“It looks like [Tom] calmed down a little bit,” Oshie said later in the game. “But if that game woulda went a different way, you know, Tom’s a big guy and he can make a statement physically. Sometimes teammates get worried about him when he gets a little too physical.”
Wilson’s outburst came amid mounting frustration. The Capitals dominated long stretches of the game, outshooting the Stars 24-19 by the final horn.
Although Dallas managed fewer shots, the Stars ended up scoring the only goal of the game, coincidentally on the power play following the call on Wilson, making it even more frustrating for the veteran and the Caps.
Despite the strong effort, Washington heads home having lost two straight for the first time this season and will carry a 6-4-0 record into Friday's matchup against the Metropolitan Division-worst New York Islanders. Puck drop is 7 p.m. ET.
Maxx Crosby Promises a Dominant Return: ‘We’ll Keep Battling Every Single Play’
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line is facing a significant challenge with one of their leaders, Maxx Crosby, battling an injury. Known for his relentless play, Crosby has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since joining the team. Despite the setback, Crosby remains confident and determined to make a dominant return to the field.
In a recent statement, Crosby made it clear that the injury will not define him or his team. “Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t define who I am. I’ll keep pushing, keep fighting, and I’ll be back stronger than ever. I’m not backing down, and neither is this defense. We’ll keep battling every single play,”
Crosby’s leadership on and off the field has been critical to the Raiders’ defensive unit. His relentless style of play, combined with his ability to disrupt offenses, has made him a key player. The injury is undoubtedly a blow to the defense, but Crosby’s mindset is clear: this is just another challenge to overcome. He is determined to return stronger and continue being a force for the Raiders.
Throughout his career, Crosby has faced adversity and emerged stronger each time. His determination to keep fighting, even in the face of injury, is not just about him — it’s about setting an example for the rest of the team. Crosby’s leadership is invaluable, and it’s evident that his commitment to the team is unwavering.
The Raiders have relied on Crosby’s energy and ability to make game-changing plays. His absence may temporarily shift the dynamic of the defense, but with Crosby’s mindset and his work ethic, his return will undoubtedly reinvigorate the team. His words,
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, they will undoubtedly miss Crosby’s presence on the field. However, his resolve to return stronger, coupled with the defensive depth the Raiders have, will be key in sustaining their competitive edge. The team will need to rally together and maintain their defensive focus, knowing that Crosby will be back to lead them as soon as he is able.
For now, Maxx Crosby’s focus is on recovery, and when he returns, it’s clear that he’ll be ready to make his mark once again. His determination to overcome obstacles and keep fighting is a rallying cry for his teammates, and the Raiders will no doubt look to Crosby’s example as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.
