Hockey

Josh Anderson and Tom Wilson: a rivalry that goes back to junior high school
Jonathan Di Gregorio
Josh Anderson and Tom Wilson: a rivalry that goes back to junior high school
Credit: Getty Images

The series between the Canadiens and the Capitals has left plenty of room for physical play.

Shoulder thrusts, sometimes dubious, and scuffles after the whistle have been commonplace since the start of the post-season showdown between the two teams.

And no players have found themselves in the thick of the action more than Josh Anderson and Tom Wilson.

The two forwards, both of whom enjoy a robust game, had a field day against each other.

In particular, they got into a fight on the Capitals' bench at the end of the second period in the third game of the match.

In fact, the history between the two players goes back much earlier this season. At the October 31, 2024 game against the Caps in Washington, Anderson dressed up as George Laraque and got into a fight with Wilson.

To the delight of spectators at home, the CH forward got the better of his opponent.

Today, we learn from Kevin Dubé's article published on TVA Sport that the animosity between the two players is nothing new. [hyperlink]

You have to go back to 2012 when they were playing at junior level to see the origins of this rivalry.

Anderson and Wilson, playing respectively for the London Knights and the Plymouth Whalers in the OHL, fought for the first time on November 12 of that year.

That same season, the two teams faced off in the semi-finals in April 2013, and they engaged in combat from the very first game of the series.

This story didn't end with the two players' arrival in the NHL, and on February 6, 2018, they threw down the gloves again while Anderson was playing with the Blue Jackets.

This time, the fight went in favor of the Capitals forward.

In short, the love affair between the two players isn't exactly new, and it's a safe bet that we haven't yet witnessed the final chapter in this modern romance.

In fact, it's highly likely that the next chapter will take place as early as tomorrow evening.


Fast forward

– Ouch, three years already!

– Any doubts about Toronto?

– A kickoff for the Olympics?

– A Quebec quarterback with the Alouettes!

– What a play!

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