Senators’ Nick Cousins and the NHL’s Unofficial Justice System
In a recent game, Ottawa Senators winger Nick Cousins faced off against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble. This occurred during the third period of the Senators’ nail-biting 4-3 overtime loss at the Bell Centre. Cousins sustained a significant injury from a punch, resulting in his exit from the game. This incident is emblematic of the NHL’s unofficial justice system, a practice entrenched in hockey culture for over a century.
Understanding NHL’s Unofficial Justice System
Struble later revealed his intentions for the altercation. He stated the fight was motivated by an incident from a September 30 preseason game, where Cousins slashed Canadiens player Ivan Demidov. Struble voiced his concerns, saying, “When you have a guy like that taking a shot at your young star player, that was a bad play.” This retaliatory nature is common in the NHL, often justified as protecting teammates.
Cousins Responds and Takes Accountability
After the fight, Cousins did not appear to suffer any major long-term effects, though he acknowledged the result. He stated, “Sometimes you gotta answer the bell for your actions.” Cousins took responsibility for his earlier slash and expressed relief that Demidov was okay. This mindset is crucial in the culture of hockey, where players often confront their consequences head-on.
Consequences of the Altercation
- Cousins was fined by the NHL for the initial slash on Demidov.
- The Canadiens viewed the fight as their chance for retribution.
- Despite losing the fight, Cousins has seemingly settled the issue.
This cycle of retaliation raises questions about the unwritten codes of conduct within the league. Instead of direct retribution, it seems to perpetuate an ongoing cycle of violence. In the case of Cousins and Struble, it might have resolved one chapter, but leaves the door open for future confrontations.
Future Implications of NHL’s Culture
While the NHL appears to tolerate these practices, some critics argue that stricter enforcement against dangerous plays could deter such fighting. An opinion suggests that even a harsh suspension wouldn’t stop players like Struble and Arber Xhekaj from seeking revenge. Therefore, the NHL’s current culture may remain unchanged, as fighting and physicality continue to thrive.
Conclusion
The complexities of NHL’s unofficial justice system reveal a layered and often contentious relationship between players. While incidents like the Cousins-Struble fight seem to settle immediate grievances, they reinforce the ongoing cycle of retribution. For now, the culture of fighting appears embedded, leaving players to navigate this violent landscape.
