HIGHLIGHTS
- Nick Cousins fined $2,148.44 for slashing Ivan Demidov
- Hayden Hodgson fined $2,018.23 for boarding Alex Newhook
- Read below for details on this heated preseason matchup
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety came down on two Ottawa Senators players after Tuesday night’s physical preseason battle against the Montreal Canadiens in Quebec City.
Nick Cousins got hit with a $2,148.44 fine for slashing Canadiens rookie Ivan Demidov at 7:22 of the third period.
The veteran forward picked up a minor penalty on the play and ended the night with 14 penalty minutes after getting tossed with a misconduct.
Demidov, one of Montreal’s prized prospects, didn’t miss a shift and recorded two assists in the Canadiens’ 5-0 win. Coach Martin St. Louis brushed off any concern about the Russian winger’s health postgame.
The 32-year-old Cousins has built his career on playing hard; however, he often crosses the line. Cousins put up 41 penalty minutes in 50 games last season with Ottawa.
Hayden Hodgson wasn’t spared either, drawing a $2,018.23 fine for boarding Alex Newhook at 16:47 of the second period. Hodgson got a major penalty for the hit and figures to be heading to the AHL’s Belleville Senators when roster cuts come.
Both fines max out what the CBA allows. No suspensions were handed down.
The game had all the hallmarks of a Sens-Habs matchup, with bodies flying and tempers running hot from start to finish. These two Atlantic Division clubs always bring extra intensity when they meet, preseason or otherwise.
Ottawa closes out exhibition play with games against St. Louis on Thursday and a rematch with Montreal on Oct. 4. The Senators kick off the regular season on the road against Tampa Bay on Oct. 9.
The league’s decision to fine both players shows they’re serious about player protection, particularly for up-and-coming talents like Demidov who represent the future of the Canadiens franchise.
