Tom Wilson Hits 800 NHL Games as Caps Face Penguins in Crucial Matchup

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tom Wilson will skate in his 800th NHL game tonight as the Washington Capitals host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a pivotal Metropolitan Division clash. The Capitals, leading the division with a 30-10-5 record, aim to extend their three-game win streak against a struggling Penguins squad (18-20-8) that has points in six straight visits to Capital One Arena.

Wilson, 30, becomes the ninth player in Capitals history to reach the 800-game milestone, joining franchise legends like Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. Reflecting on his career, Wilson said, “It’s been a heck of a ride and a lot of great people along the way.” The forward, known for his physicality and scoring prowess, has nine power-play goals this season, tying him for fifth in the NHL.

The Capitals enter the game with momentum, having outscored opponents 8-1 during their win streak. Goaltender Logan Thompson, who has posted consecutive shutouts, will start for Washington. Thompson’s 146-minute, 53-second shutout streak is the 13th longest in franchise history. “He’s been incredible,” said Caps coach Spencer Carbery. “He’s a big reason we’re where we are.”

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will rely on rookie Joel Blomqvist in net after Alex Nedeljkovic‘s historic performance in Buffalo last night. Blomqvist, a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, defeated the Capitals earlier this season but has struggled since. The Penguins, who waived veteran Tristan Jarry earlier this week, are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

Tonight’s game also marks the 71st regular-season matchup between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, two of the NHL’s most iconic players. Ovechkin, who recently returned from injury, is 21 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time scoring record. The Capitals have yet to lose in regulation in 2025 and hold a seven-point lead over the New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan Division.

Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena, with the game broadcast locally on Monumental Sports Network and streaming on ESPN+.