"Joke league" "That’s a lot of money": NHL fans react as Senators, Nick Cousins get fined for Leafs pregame incident 

By Jackson Weber

Modified Apr 25, 2025 21:26 GMT

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Hockey fans woke up on Friday morning to the reports of a pre-game incident between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs that could result in supplemental discipline.

After some speculation, it was later revealed to have been Sens forward Nick Cousins intentionally shooting a puck towards Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz during warmups of Game 3.

Punishment was quickly handed out, as the NHL fined Cousins $2,083.33 for what they deemed to be an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during warmups. The Ottawa Senators were also issued a $25,000 fine for the incident.

Fans have started to react to the news of both Nick Cousins and the team receiving hefty fines on X (formerly Twitter).

"Joke league," one fan wrote.

"That's a lot of money for a franchise like that," another fan wrote.

"That part makes absolutely no sense. Since when does the team get fined for stuff like that?" added another fan.

More fan reaction has continued to pour in on X.

"Tears that’s their entire annual revenue," one fan wrote on X.

"But cross checks to the face is all good. Got it," wrote another fan.

"Player safety…LOL!! While you idiots are looking into Stolarz, review his assault on my man Ridly. What a joke!!" added one last fan.

It's certainly a strange situation that seemed relatively harmless; however, the NHL is trying to cut down on any pre-game shenanigans. It just ends up adding salt to the wound of an Ottawa team now fighting for its season on Saturday night.

The Ottawa Senators are in trouble

It's not looking good for the Ottawa Senators.

Following another heartbreaking overtime loss, the Sens find themselves on the brink of elimination less than one week into their return to the postseason. Since the blowout loss in Game 1, Ottawa has played a much better brand of hockey, though they've been unable to come up with a goal when needed most.

Anthony Stolarz has held the Senators to just two goals in all three games thus far, while Linus Ullmark has had some struggles at the other end of the ice. Ottawa will need that to change in order to force a Game 5 back in Toronto on Tuesday.

The Senators will look to keep their season alive in Game 4 on Saturday night at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST at the Canadian Tire Centre.