Tom Wilson is currently nursing the best hangover he’s ever had.
He and his Washington Capitals teammates haven’t stopped celebrating their dramatic Game 5 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, which led to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship.
“Little bit of a hangover but it’s all worth it,” a raspy-voiced Wilson told Hockey Central at Noon Friday.
Wilson had a vital role on the Caps’ top line, scoring 15 points in 21 playoff games, but he was criticized throughout the post-season due to the physical nature in which he plays the game.
The 24-year-old Toronto native was even suspended three games for a second-round hit on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese and said he was grateful for the support he received from his teammates at the time.
“That was obviously a tough situation but we’re pretty close in this room,” Wilson said. “You know, I don’t really care about anything that goes on in the media. It was great to know the boys had my back. It sucked watching those three games but they got the job done and pretty proud of the guys that stepped up. It’s been a crazy ride.”
It’s every young hockey player’s dream to win the Stanley Cup, so what was going through Wilson’s mind when it was his turn to raise the iconic trophy?
“Honestly, it was a little bit of a blur,” he explained. “When you hoist the Cup, pretty special moment, but it’s pretty cool to see your teammates and everyone holding it.”
Wilson concluded the interview with some honesty: “It’s a pretty special group. All the guys are giving it to me on the plane. I gotta finish this interview and get back to celebrating.”
The Capitals will continue to party throughout the weekend and will take part in the team’s Stanley Cup parade on Tuesday.
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