Though the warmup shenanigans ahead of Game 3 in the Battle of Ontario led to disciplinary fines, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz says he didn’t even notice the sideshow despite being at the center of it.
Following Toronto’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators in Game 4, the 31-year-old was asked for the first time about the much-discussed warmup incident involving Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins. His response was surprising, considering his role in the matter.
“I mean, I didn't even notice, to be honest,” said Stolarz post-game.
The league certainly noticed.
On Friday, the NHL fined Cousins $2,083.33 – the maximum allowable under the CBA – for “unsportsmanlike conduct” during warmups. The Senators organization was also hit with a $25,000 fine for their involvement.
Nick Cousins, Senators Issued Fines For ‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct’ In Game 3 Warmups Against Maple LeafsThe NHL has officially handed out disciplinary fines following a pre-game incident in Game 3 of the Battle of Ontario first-round playoff series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators.
The fines stem from an incident ahead of Game 3 in Ottawa. During pre-game warmups, Cousins and members of the Senators sent pucks directed at Stolarz and into the Maple Leafs’ half of the ice, making it all the more surprising that he hadn’t even noticed.
The situation escalated enough to prompt an NHL investigation. A video clip, circulated on social media Friday morning, appeared to show Cousins intentionally targeting Stolarz.
Here’s what NHL is looking at from last night. “Friend of Bieksa” Nick Cousins shoots puck at Stolarz. NHL not crazy about pre-game stuff…also clamped down on funny Scheifele/Hofer standoff in Blues/Jets series pic.twitter.com/ZF08AZwdO4
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 25, 2025
Despite the headlines, both teams have somewhat dismissed the controversy. Senators head coach Travis Green downplayed the situation when speaking to reporters Friday, suggesting Cousins was simply trying to rattle an old teammate and throw him off his game.
"Nick Cousins and Stolarz have played together. I don't know. Yeah, he's probably trying to either laugh at him or make a joke or get him off his game, and it is what it is,” said Green.
Stolarz appears to agree with the popular opinion and the same sentiments as Green.
The goaltender shared locker rooms with Cousins during stints with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, and most recently during their Stanley Cup-winning run with the Florida Panthers last season.
“It's one of those things. Obviously, I know Cousy; I played with him for a number of years. So, I'm sure he didn't mean any malicious intent by it,” Stolarz explained.
'It's An Active Investigation': How Senators Players Are Reacting to the Maple Leafs Puck Warmup DramaKANATA, Ont. — Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green had some fun when asked about the NHL's investigation over a pre-game incident involving his club firing pucks at Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz during warmup.
When asked if he and Cousins had spoken about the incident, Stolarz offered a simple, “No.” While the league’s fines served as a message against pre-game antics, it appeared to have the desired effect. Prior to Game 4, both sides kept their distance during warmups with no issues.
Both teams have turned the page with Game 4 in the books, and for Toronto, the focus remains on closing out the first-round series. Despite Saturday’s loss, the Leafs hold a 3-1 series lead and will have a chance to finish the job again on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena.
“Just keep doing what we're doing,” said Stolarz. “Like I said, I thought we played a really good game tonight. We were boxing out really well. We were getting pucks in, kind of going low to high on them. I just think if we continue that, it will be the recipe for success.
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