In the high-stakes atmosphere of NHL playoff hockey, every moment is magnified, and every play can shift the momentum of an entire series. Game 4 between the Washington Capitals and the Buffalo Sabres was no exception, as a single hit sent shockwaves through the rink and across the hockey world.

Tom Wilson, a player notorious for his physicality and controversial style, once again found himself at the center of attention after a thunderous collision with Alexandre Carrier that not only altered the course of the game but also sparked intense debate among fans, analysts, and league officials alike.

As replays of the incident flooded social media and sports networks, a new detail emerged that added a surprising twist to the narrative. It wasn’t just the force of Wilson’s hit that captured everyone’s attention, but what happened in the seconds leading up to it.

In a revelation that has since been the talk of the hockey community, it was discovered that Wilson had actually yelled at Carrier before making contact—a move that speaks volumes about the evolving nature of the game and the responsibilities of its most physical players. This unexpected development has left fans and pundits alike questioning the boundaries of sportsmanship, safety, and strategy in today’s NHL.

Tom Wilson’s hit to the head of Alexandre Carrier completely turned Game 4 around, and possibly, unfortunately, the entire series.

It’s a sequence that’s everywhere today.

“Shortly after Wilson delivered a heavy hit to Carrier, Brandon Duhaime scores to tie it 2-2!”

The National Hockey League has also delivered its verdict on the matter.

But beyond that, we’ve just learned something important about the sequence.

Tom Wilson Yelled Something at Alexandre Carrier Before Blasting Him

As reported by Marco Normandin, Tom Wilson warned Alexandre Carrier right before hitting him like a freight train.

You read that right.

“Just before the hit in question, we can clearly hear a loud yell during the sequence. That yell was Wilson himself trying to warn Carrier so he could brace for the hit, because Wilson knew the result would be devastating.”

Marco Normandin

Wow! You can indeed hear the yell very clearly in the video:

Still according to HF, it’s no coincidence – in a previous interview, Wilson mentioned he made a change this year.

He now warns players before delivering heavy hits.

A New Tactic from Tom Wilson, Used Against Alexandre Carrier

Well then..

“Now, when I’m lining up a player who doesn’t seem to see me coming, I let out a yell so they expect the hit and can brace themselves.

The game has gotten so fast, and players today don’t expect to get hit the way they used to back when I first started. […]

If I’m about to hit a player in a vulnerable position, I make sure he knows I’m coming before delivering the hit.”

Tom Wilson

Quite the discovery!