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Paul Bissonnette has hilarious response to Nick Cousins' actions before Game 3

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 8:27 PM ET

NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette had a hilarious response to the pre-game incident between Senators forward Nick Cousins and Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz.

The 1st 'Battle of Ontario' between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators since 2004 may end nearly as quickly as it started.

The Maple Leafs have grabbed a 3-0 stranglehold on the divisional foe Senators following last night's 3-2 OT victory in Game 3, which was the 1st Stanley Cup Playoff game at Canadian Tire Centre since Game 6 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Final.

But an incident from the pre-game skate drew a hilarious response from former NHL player and current analyst (and noted Maple Leafs fan) Paul Bissonnette.

Senators forward Nick Cousins, who was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres at the Trade Deadline to boost Ottawa's playoff chase, sent a puck from his own side of the ice toward Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who was in front of the penalty box.

In response, Bissonnette had this to say about Cousins, albeit in jest:

It is worth noting that Stolarz and Cousins are former teammates with the Florida Panthers, and this was likely not anything malicious in nature.

It didn't stop the NHL from launching an investigation and eventually fining both Cousins and the Senators. Cousins was hit with a fine of $2,083.33, while the Senators as an organization were fined $25,000.

The Senators will look to avoid being swept out of the postseason tomorrow night; if they are able to pick up a victory, Game 5 between the two teams will be played on Tuesday back in Toronto.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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