Tom Wilson sparks brawl with cheap shot, slams Artemi Panarin face first into ice

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson doesn’t seem to get the message.

During Monday’s game against the New York Rangers, Wilson found another way to mire himself in controversy by punching the back of Pavel Buchnevich’s head while the Rangers forward was laying on the ice.

Buchnevich, clearly defenseless, endures a completely unnecessary cheap shot from the noted cheap-shot artist. Rangers forward Ryan Strome came quickly to his teammate’s aid before a melee ensued. After emerging from the pile up, Wilson grabbed Artemi Panarin and slammed him to the ice before pulling him up and then shoving him down again chin first. Panarin didn't return to the game and is expected to be out for the remainder of the season, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Wilson was assessed two minutes for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct for the act. Buchnevich also received two minutes for roughing on the play.

The Rangers were livid after the game when discussing Wilson's latest antics.

Unfortunately, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for Wilson. The skilled yet reckless player has been suspended five times throughout his career and fined twice. Earlier this season, Wilson was suspended for another dangerous play, a high hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo that resulted in a seven-game ban.

Carlo suffered a concussion on the play and missed over three weeks of action.

Wilson’s latest stunt is indefensible, and it remains to be seen if NHL Player Safety will provide any further disciplinary action.

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