Tom Wilson Makes All-Star Game History, Metro Tops Pacific To Go To Final

The Metropolitan Division is heading to the 2022 NHL All-Star Game championship game after a big 6-4 victory over the Pacific in which Tom Wilson made history while he and Evgeny Kuznetsov got things going.

Washington’s linemates got the Metro off to a quick start, as Kuznetsov dished Wilson the puck for a wicked wrist shot to open the scoring just 13 seconds in. It was Wilson’s first career NHL All-Star goal and came off his first shot. Kuznetsov picked up the lone helper.

Wilson’s goal was a historic one and is the fastest goal in the NHL All-Star Game’s 3-on-3 tournament format. He broke Sidney Crosby’s record of 15 seconds set in 2019.

#ALLCAPS Tom Wilson scores first in his first shift! pic.twitter.com/ZqVcnUrrY4

— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) February 5, 2022

Timo Meier would respond soon after to tie it for the Pacific. However, Claude Giroux and Sebastian Aho scored later on to make it 3-1 heading into the second.

Although Jonathan Marchessault and Jordan Eberle would tie it just 4:27 in, the Metro would come back on goals from Jack Hughes and Jake Guentzel. Hughes then sealed the deal with an empty-netter for his second of the tournament. Marchessault almost had a buzzer-beater to mkae it 6-4, but it was waved off after it was revealed that it did not cross the goal line before the clock hit zero.

No goal for Marchessault at the horn. It doesn't get much closer than that. pic.twitter.com/3nNjHaa1V4

— Ryan Gilbert (@RGilbertSOP) February 5, 2022

The Pacific was one of the toughest divisions to face off against, as it featured Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. However, both managed to chip in just one assist apiece and were held off by Tristan Jarry.

READ MORE ON WHN: Tom Wilson Brings The ‘Boom’ In Hardest Shot

Kuznetsov and Wilson looked solid overall. Kuznetsov was putting on some moves out there and winning draws, while Wilson was getting some looks and also backchecking effectively. The Capitals have been weak in 3-on-3 in overtime this season, but have started to click in OT of late.