Tom Wilson Scores Hours After Grandfather’s Death to Lead Inspired Capitals by Reeling Pens 6–0

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (C) celebrates after assisting on a goal by teammate Hendrix Lapierre (not shown) as Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) and Valtteri Puustinen skate back to their bench during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh on March 7, 2024. Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo

PITTSBURGH—Tom Wilson made a trip home to Toronto last week to see his ailing grandfather, Jake Avery, one final time.

The veteran Washington Capitals forward and the man he called Grampy were close, and after Avery died at 95 on Thursday afternoon, Wilson honored him with a spectacular goal that Wilson hopes gives his team a jolt.