Player Safety Issues Punishment for Both Nick Cousins and the Senators For Actions Against Leafs

Nick Cousins of the Ottawa Senators has tried to defend himself his controversial pre-game actions against Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz in game 3, but the NHL Department of Player Safety isn't buying it.

It had been leaked that Cousins was under investigation by the league for firing a puck at Stolarz, his former teammate with Florida Panthers, during warmups in Ottawa for game 3.

It has now been announced that DoPS has fined Cousins $2,083.33 for his antics. That is the maximum allowable for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Ottawa Senators organization has been fined $25,000 for failing to keep him under control.

Stolarz himself was the subject of some scrutiny following a hit on the Sens Ridly Greig in game 2. He said he made a deal with the referees for game 3 that he would stay calm as long as they had his back.

Being down 3-0 could mean a rough game 4 if the Ottawa Senators decide to go all out. Hopefully the officials can maintain control.

Despite being on the positive side of the 3-0 lead, one analyst is pouring some cold water on the Maple Leafs early playoff success. Aaron Korolnek insisted on TSN's First Up Toronto that the team has yet to prove anything as they are superior to the Ottawa Senators is just about every way.