The Montreal Canadiens extended their latest win streak to three games on Saturday night, with a second-straight of the overtime variety against the Ottawa Senators. They had to overcome some adversity once again, tying the game late in the third period to force the extra period before Alex Newhook iced it. As of this writing, they remain at the top of the standings in the Atlantic Division.
There was a lot to discuss from that game; the Habs looking like the better team at five-on-five, them surrendering another multi-goal lead in spite of that, and them once again finding a way to get the win in overtime. But a big question for a lot of fans was whether the players would be willing to forget about the cheap shot Nick Cousins took on Ivan Demidov during the preseason.
Noted dirtbag Nick Cousins with a straight up axe chop at Ivan Demidov's wrist. pic.twitter.com/Q4eDik94r8
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 1, 2025
But the Habs remember. House Struble remembers.
Nick Cousins makes the ill-advised decision to fight Jayden Struble. pic.twitter.com/EAfQNRbPLe
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) November 2, 2025
After the game, Jayden Struble said that that cheap shot was on their minds. Cousins obviously knew this, and tried twice to get someone else on his fight card, namely Brendan Gallagher and Alex Carrier. It isn’t remotely surprising that the cowardly Cousins would try to avoid paying his penance by going after smaller players or non-fighters, and it is wonderfully satisfying that Struble emphatically denied those attempts by making quick work of him in the fight.
Even staunch opponents of fighting in hockey would likely admit that Cousins got precisely what he deserves. You can’t be around the game without knowing his reputation, and the fact that he absolutely tries to hurt his opponents on the ice. Until and unless the league starts punishing that behaviour with something more substantial than fines that amount to pocket change for NHL players, the Habs have to be prepared to fight back.
The Habs are the youngest team in the league, and as evidenced by the late game-tying goal scored by the same Demidov that Cousins tried to injure, they need their young stars. They can’t tolerate recidivist dirtbags going after those stars, and they obviously have a long memory for it. Struble sent a message last night; they will be coming back at you if you try anything like that, and you won’t be picking your opponent when the time comes to pay the piper.
They may not be a big and heavy team throughout the lineup, but they have some guys who can crack, and they will stick up for each other. They have loads of skill, but they’re also not in the business of allowing themselves to be pushed around.
In short, they’re an incredibly fun team to watch right now.
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