Nathan MacKinnon shared what was said after the hit, and why Tom Wilson stepped in

Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon spoke on the fight between Canadian Tom Wilson and France's Pierre Crinon in Canada's 10-2 win over France.

Wilson and Crinon got into a spat after the two collided onto the boards with a heavy hit, that leading to a fight after Crinon gave Wilson a retaliatory shove to the head.

Both players were given dual five minute majors along with an automatic game misconduct for fighting, in accordance with Olympic rules.

Nathan MacKinnon spoke on the play, calling the decision by Wilson to fight Crinon a justified one, saying Crinon made a 'dirty hit' and that Wilson did not start the fight.

The result of the fighting has drawn discussion on both sides, with the two players both having been known for controversy over rheir physical play.

Tom Wilson has already formed a reputation as one of the league's riskier physical players, having faced six suspensions, including a 2018 suspension for a check to the head of Oskar Sundqvist, a 20 game suspension later reduced down to 14.

Wilson has already faced the risk of discipline after the injury suffered to Kevin Fiala, the Swiss forward announced by the Los Angeles Kings that he would miss the rest of the NHL's regular season.

Wilson was not suspended for the play, but faced criticism over social media.

Crinon has his own share of controversy, having been suspended seven games back in November for punching a goaltender in the face.

Some fans backed up Wilson, praising his physicality and arguing that he shouldn't have faced punishment for a fight that was perceived as initiated by Crinon.

Other fans were more critical of Wilson, specifically that he was taken down by Crinon, the easy victory for the French fighter contrasting with Wilson's open embrace as a heavy hitter back in the NHL.

Neither player was given an additional disciplinary action, meaning both Wilson and Crinon are able to continue without a suspension taking them out of further play.

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