The NHL is currently investigating the Ottawa Senators for a peculiar incident during warm-ups before Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Senator Nick Cousins reportedly shot a puck towards Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz. This playful yet contentious act drew a fine of $25,000 for the Senators and $2,083.33 for Cousins, highlighting the league's strict stance on player conduct during warm-ups. Coach Travis Green, known for his humor, acknowledged the act while emphasizing the competitive gamesmanship involved, as Cousins and Stolarz share a past as teammates. Despite Ottawa’s aggressive shooting strategy, they have struggled to score, averaging only two goals per game, which has led to speculation about their playoff viability.

The NHL playoffs heighten intensity and gamesmanship as teams seek advantages in tight series. Ottawa Senators' coach Travis Green accused the Toronto Maple Leafs of manipulating officials for penalties, while Leafs coach Craig Berube claimed the Senators were targeting his goaltender. This escalated during warm-ups as Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele and St. Louis Blues' Joel Hofer engaged in a standoff. Players, like Morgan Rielly, advocate for focus amidst these distractions, emphasizing the battle for mental edge. The Ottawa Senators faced a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct due to pre-game antics, highlighting the thin line players walk in playoffs. Both experience and discipline are crucial, as articulated by players like Brady Tkachuk and Nino Niederreiter.

The NHL handed down fines totaling $27,083.33, targeting both the Ottawa Senators and forward Nick Cousins for unsportsmanlike conduct during warmups before Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Cousins, who received the maximum player fine allowed by the NHL/NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, was caught on camera flipping a puck towards Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz, a former teammate. Senators coach Travis Green acknowledged the incident, remarking that it was likely intended as a playful jab rather than a serious provocation. With the Maple Leafs leading the series 3-0 after a tight Game 3 win, the Senators face a must-win situation in Game 4.

The Ottawa Senators find themselves in a precarious position, down 3-0 in their playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. In a bid to rattle goaltender Anthony Stolarz, the Senators have resorted to some unusual tactics, including a peculiar incident in warm-ups where Nick Cousins directed a puck toward Stolarz. Coach Travis Green commented on the situation with humor, acknowledging the gamesmanship inherent in playoff hockey.

Despite the Senators' efforts, Stolarz has been a formidable presence in net, effectively stifling their offensive attempts. Players like Ridly Greig and Brady Tkachuk have attempted to provoke him physically, with Stolarz demonstrating his resolve by engaging back, particularly during a roughing incident with Greig. Ottawa's attempts to unsettle Stolarz appear to be part of a broader strategy to gain any psychological advantage as they face elimination.

Returning from a significant knee injury, Nick Cousins invigorated the Ottawa Senators in a recent 4-3 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, the team that initially drafted him. After a grueling recovery process that sidelined him for 30 games, Cousins expressed his joy and emotional relief at being back on the ice, likening the experience to his first NHL game. Known for his gritty playing style, he quickly regained his form during the match, even welcoming a physical encounter that included a punch from Bobby Brink.

Cousins joined the Senators this season after winning the Stanley Cup last year with the Florida Panthers, bringing valuable leadership to a young squad eager for playoff experience. With the Senators clinching a playoff spot, his presence is set to be a crucial asset as the team prepares for the postseason. Teammate Thomas Chabot praised Cousins' determination during recovery, highlighting the camaraderie that his return has fostered within the team.