Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA

Penguins fan accuses NHL of favortism after Tom Wilson avoids suspension for hit similar to Bryan Rust’s


PUBLICATION
Jack Sutherland
February 1, 2026  (5:37 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

After Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust was suspended for a controversial hit, Tom Wilson of the divisional foe Washington Capitals was not for a similar action, and Penguins fans aren't happy about it.

Repeat offender Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals will receive no discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety despite having been fined and suspended multiple times in his career for reckless and dangerous actions that have often resulted in injured opponents.
He delivered a brutal headshot to Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven in yesterday's game in Washington, but will not have to sit as a result.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost forward Bryan Rust, who was suspended for three games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for a similar hit on Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser.
This has understandably left Penguins fans feeling frustrated and that their team could be the victim of a double standard.
Tom Wilson will receive no hearing for this hit.

Bryan Rust is still out on his three game suspension for a high hit.

Interesting, considering their histories. - PenguinsJesus

Hurricanes Coach Rod Brind'Amour Was Furious There Was No Penalty Given To Tom Wilson

After the hit to Stankoven's head, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour was incensed.
I don't know the rules. No one does. I get it: bigger guy, smaller guy, I get all that. But they always say principle — it was obvious the head was the first point of contact. That's the rule. That's by the book, apparently. But it's the NHL. So you guys can comment on that how you want. - Rod Brind'Amour
Wilson has been suspended six times already in his NHL career.
POLL
FEVRIER 1|113 ANSWERS
Penguins fan accuses NHL of favortism after Tom Wilson avoids suspension for hit similar to Bryan Rust’s

Is the NHL biased against the Penguins?

Yes8978.8 %
No2421.2 %
List of polls

HOCKEYUNPLUGGED
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY
RSS FEED - SITEMAP - ROBOTS.TXT