For Tom Wilson’s first two seasons with the Washington Capitals, Joel Ward was a role model. Wilson admired Ward’s ability to be in the right place at the right time in the most crucial moments. He watched Ward play on the first line beside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, and he tried to incorporate some of the things Ward did into his own game.
“Now, he’s the enemy,” Wilson said.
Ward returns to the Verizon Center on Tuesday night, but as a member of the San Jose Sharks. He and the Capitals may exchange hugs after the game, but he’ll be just like any other member of the opposition as soon as the puck drops.