Tom Wilson says discipline playing huge role in Capitals success

The 2021-22 season has started off tremendously for the Washington Capitals, as they find themselves near the top of the league standings.

While many will point to the incredible start of Alex Ovechkin as the main reason to their success, head coach Peter Laviolette points to something else: improved discipline. A quarter way through this season, the Capitals have taken fewer minors than the majority of the league, something that was not always the case with this team in the past.

«It's good,» Laviolette said when asked about the improved discipline. «Our penalty minutes are down. The best way to win hockey games, especially with the situation we're in, where there's a lot of new guys in the lineup and there's a lot of people out of the lineup, is to not have to kill six penalties a game or eight penalties a game. That's not going to help you be successful. Our guys try to play aggressive, they try to play physical but yet we've done a pretty good job with discipline.»

One particularly interesting thing involving the Capitals is that they have had zero fighting majors this season. Forward Tom Wilson, who has had several bouts during his career, spoke as to why that is the case.

«We've had so many guys injured that I don't want to be going to the box for five, six, seven, eight, nine minutes in the middle of a game,» Wilson explained. «When you don't have (regulars) in the lineup, that's not good. It hasn't been too much of a focal point but it's definitely something that we've tried to work on (and have) been cognizant about. It's just not smart to do right now.

«Obviously you got to play the games and hockey is a tough sport. But if I'm thinking about it, I'd rather be on the ice than in the box.»

Wilson being on the ice has been very beneficial to the Capitals, as he has gotten off to a great start this season with 17 points in 20 games. This team is one that, if they continue to stay disciplined, could be a serious threat for the Stanley Cup this season.

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