NHL Investigating Pre-game Incident Between Senators and Leafs
The NHL is reportedly reviewing an alleged pregame altercation involving Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz before Thursday’s Game 3.
According to reports, Cousins shot a puck toward Stolarz during warmups, prompting league scrutiny.
TSN’s Darren Dreger shared:
“The Battle of Ontario took an unexpected turn with claims of pregame antics last night. Sources indicate the NHL is examining an incident during warmups before Game 3. It’s unclear whether disciplinary action will follow.”
A twist in the Battle of Ontario with allegations of pregame shenanigans last night. Sources say the NHL is looking at an incident in warmup prior to game three between the Leafs and Senators. Undetermined whether league discipline will follow.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 25, 2025
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman verified the incident occurred just before puck drop, while Ottawa reporter Bruce Garrioch noted:
“At one point, pucks were being lobbed by the Sens in warmup. I saw [Tim] Stützle stop one near center ice—thought it was odd but didn’t dwell on it. That’s all I noticed.”
At one point there were a some pucks being lobbed by the #SENS in warmup. I did see Stutzle stop a lobbed puck near centre. Found it odd and didn’t think anything of it at the time. That was the only thing I noticed. https://t.co/dVrUsNRziu
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) April 25, 2025
Gamesmanship or Crossing the Line?
Cousins and Stolarz were teammates on the 2023-24 Florida Panthers, raising questions about whether this was lighthearted ribbing or an attempt to rattle the goalie.
Senators coach Travis Green addressed the situation, with Luke Fox reporting Cousins’ explanation: “He knows Stolarz and was trying to get in his head. Happens more than people realize.”
Still, the league is treating the matter seriously, as unsportsmanlike conduct—even in warmups—is discouraged. This adds another layer to an already heated series.
In Game 1, Ottawa’s Ridly Greig received a reduced penalty for a cross-check on John Tavares, setting a physical tone. Greig also collided with Stolarz in that game, and in Game 2, Stolarz retaliated with multiple hacks at Greig in the crease, resulting in offsetting minors.
While NHL pregame rules are lenient compared to other leagues (which penalize crossing center ice or shooting pucks at opponents), Friedman noted the league recently warned Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele and St. Louis’ Joel Hofer over similar warmup conduct.
Whether Cousins faces punishment remains uncertain, but the league may use this as an opportunity to reinforce boundaries.
With tensions escalating, Game 4 promises even more intensity in this storied rivalry.
Image - Marc DesRosiers-Imagn
