Tom Wilson’s Impactful Hit on Dylan Larkin Sets Tone in Olympic Gold Medal Game

The 2026 Olympic Gold Medal Game between the USA and Canada was marked by physicality from the opening minutes, largely thanks to a thunderous hit delivered by Team Canada’s Tom Wilson on Team USA forward Dylan Larkin. The hit, occurring just 4:44 into the first period, immediately set a tone for a tightly contested and physical matchup.

A Defining Moment Early in the Game

Wilson lined up Larkin behind the USA’s net and delivered a powerful check that sent the Detroit Red Wings captain flying into the boards. While the hit was hard, Larkin was able to return to the game. “Oh my God, I saw him coming, and I recognize 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.”

Wilson’s Physical Presence Throughout the Tournament

The hit on Larkin was Wilson’s most significant of the tournament, reflecting his commitment to a physical style of play throughout Canada’s games. He finished the tournament with the most penalty minutes in a single Olympic tournament with NHL involvement in Team Canada history, though these penalties did not stem from hits on opposing players. Despite pre-tournament concerns about international rules potentially limiting his effectiveness, Wilson consistently imposed his physicality.

Wilson primarily played on a line with Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, dubbed the “Fine Line,” and skated 13:00 of ice time in the loss to the USA. Over six games, he accumulated four points (one goal and three assists), surpassing the point totals of 13 other players on the Canadian roster.

A Unique Olympic Achievement

Beyond the impactful hits, Wilson likewise recorded what is believed to be the first-ever Gordie Howe hat trick at the Olympics – scoring a goal, registering an assist, and getting into a fight (with France’s Pierre Crinon) in the same game. This fight marked the first Olympic fight since 1998.

Wilson’s Continued Impact

Wilson, who has 132 hits in 50 NHL games this season with the Washington Capitals, is fifth in the NHL in hits since the 2013-14 season with 2,632, trailing Radko Gudas, Matt Martin, Ryan Reaves, and Luke Schenn. [Russian Machine Never Breaks], [Sportsnet], [Yahoo Sports], [Yardbarker]