Tom Wilson didn’t take long to make his presence felt in the , 2026 Olympic Gold Medal Game between the USA and Canada. Just 4:44 into the first period, the Team Canada forward leveled USA forward Dylan Larkin with a thunderous hit behind the net, immediately setting a physical tone for what would become a tightly contested, and ultimately heartbreaking, overtime loss for the Canadians.
The hit, described by many as “obliterating,” sent Larkin crashing into the boards. Remarkably, the Detroit Red Wings star was able to remain in the game. “Oh my God, I saw him coming, and I know not to reach,” Larkin told TSN’s Mark Masters. “I saw him, and next thing I know, I’m getting smoked. It got me good. I haven’t got hit like that in a long time. I didn’t feel great after that, to be honest with you, but I feel amazing right now.” The quote speaks to the sheer force of the impact, and Larkin’s resilience in playing through the immediate aftermath.
The hit wasn’t merely a highlight-reel moment. it was indicative of Wilson’s overall approach to the tournament. Throughout Canada’s Olympic run, Wilson consistently sought to impose his physicality, a trait that has defined his NHL career. While often associated with penalty minutes, Wilson’s impact extended beyond the penalty box in this tournament. He finished the Olympics with the most penalty minutes in a single tournament in Team Canada history with NHL involvement, a statistic that raised concerns beforehand about whether international rules might limit his effectiveness. However, those concerns proved unfounded.
Wilson skated alongside Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett on a line dubbed the “Fine Line,” and saw 13:00 of ice time in the gold medal game. While he didn’t register a point in the loss to the USA, his overall contribution to the team’s physical play was undeniable. Across six games at the Olympics, Wilson accumulated four points (one goal and three assists), a total that exceeded the offensive output of 13 other players on the Canadian roster. This demonstrates his value beyond simply hitting, contributing to the team’s overall offensive capabilities.
The physicality Wilson brought wasn’t limited to open-ice hits. He also recorded what is believed to be the first-ever Gordie Howe hat trick in Olympic history – scoring a goal, registering an assist, and dropping the gloves in a fight, all in the same game. His bout with France’s Pierre Crinon, which occurred after Wilson had already scored and assisted on a goal, was the first Olympic fight since 1998, a testament to the intensity Wilson brought to every game.
Wilson’s willingness to engage physically is a hallmark of his game, and one that translates across leagues. In 50 games with the Washington Capitals this season, he has recorded 132 hits. Over his NHL career, dating back to his first full season in 2013-14, Wilson ranks fifth in the league in hits with 2,632, trailing only Radko Gudas (3,118), Matt Martin (3,014), Ryan Reaves (2,815), and Luke Schenn (2,705). This places him among the league’s most consistently physical players, a reputation he carried onto the Olympic stage.
Despite the disappointing outcome in the gold medal game – a 3-2 overtime loss to the USA – Wilson’s performance throughout the tournament underscored his value to Team Canada. He brought a level of physicality and intensity that few other players could match, and his contributions extended beyond simply delivering big hits. He proved he could be a difference-maker on the international stage, even within the constraints of different rules and officiating styles.
Wilson will now return to the Washington Capitals, where he will undoubtedly continue to bring his signature blend of skill and physicality. His Olympic performance serves as a reminder of his versatility and his ability to impact a game in multiple ways, solidifying his position as one of the NHL’s most compelling and impactful players. While the gold medal eluded Canada this time, Wilson’s performance offered a glimpse of the team’s potential and his own continued growth as a player.
