The Bell Centre was alive with anticipation on November 1st, 2025, as the Montreal Canadiens prepared to face off against the Ottawa Senators. Yet, beneath the usual buzz of game night, a simmering tension lingered—one that had nothing to do with standings, stats, or playoff hopes. For those who follow the Canadiens closely, the matchup promised more than just another chapter in the storied rivalry; it hinted at unfinished business, a score waiting to be settled. And at the center of it all stood Nick Cousins, a name that had quietly become synonymous with controversy among Montreal’s faithful.

What most fans didn’t realize as they filed into the arena was that the Canadiens’ locker room had been echoing with memories of a preseason incident—a moment that left a bitter taste and a lingering sense of injustice. Nick Cousins, in a flash of questionable judgment, had delivered a slash to the wrist of Ivan Demidov, Montreal’s prized young prospect, during a preseason tilt in Québec City. The act, dismissed by some as part of the game’s rough-and-tumble nature, was remembered by Canadiens players as something much more: a deliberate attempt to injure, a violation of an unwritten code.

As the teams took to the ice, speculation swirled over how the Canadiens would respond. Would Arber Xhekaj, known for his physical presence and willingness to drop the gloves, seek out Cousins for retribution? Would the Senators protect their forward, or would the night devolve into a series of escalating confrontations? The answers, it turned out, were not as straightforward as anyone expected.

Throughout the game, observers noticed something odd. Nick Cousins, usually a fixture in the Senators’ lineup, was suddenly skating alongside Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson on the first line—a move that, on the surface, seemed tactical but soon revealed itself as strategic avoidance. By placing Cousins on a line that never matched up against Xhekaj, the Senators effectively shielded him from the Canadiens’ enforcer. Journalists at the Bell Centre, including Karine Hains of The Hockey News, noted that Cousins appeared to be playing a game of “hide and seek,” deliberately steering clear of any confrontation with Xhekaj.

But what happens when the expected avenger is denied his opportunity? When the obvious matchup never materializes, does the quest for accountability fade away, or does someone else step up to fill the void? In a twist that few saw coming, it was Jayden Struble who took matters into his own hands. Struble, not typically the first name fans associate with on-ice justice, delivered a message that resonated far beyond the boards—a reminder that respect and accountability are still very much alive in the Canadiens’ dressing room.

Yet, even as Struble’s actions sent a clear signal, the circumstances surrounding Cousins’ avoidance of Xhekaj raise intriguing questions. Was this a calculated move by the Senators’ coaching staff, or a personal decision by Cousins himself? And what does it say about the unwritten rules of hockey when a player who instigates controversy is shielded from its consequences?

As the dust settles and fans debate what really happened, one thing remains certain: the story of Nick Cousins, Ivan Demidov, and the Canadiens’ search for justice is far from over. But the details behind who stepped up—and why—may surprise you.

Nov 1, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble (47) and Ottawa Senators forward Dylan Cozens (24) battle for the puck during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens players mentioned it before the game against the Ottawa Senators: they had not forgotten Nick Cousins.

They had not forgotten what Cousins did during the preseason game in Québec, at the Centre Vidéotron, when he clearly tried to injure young Ivan Demidov with a slash directly to the wrist.

“This is really disappointing. Nick Cousins slashed Ivan Demidov after missing the boarding attempt.

– Eric Macramalla

In short, Jayden Struble finally dealt with Cousins yesterday!

Why didn’t Arber Xhekaj go to see Nick Cousins?

While many indeed expected Arber Xhekaj to be the one to handle Cousins, it was ultimately his teammate Struble who took care of it…

But to explain this, as some have just explained, there is a rather surprising reason.

To “protect” Cousins, the Senators put him on the first line alongside Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson; so they placed him on a line that never faced Arber Xhekaj.

On top of that, as several journalists at the Bell Centre reported, including the excellent Karine Hains of The Hockey News, note that Cousins literally hid and avoided Xhekaj all evening…

“With Cousins playing hide and seek with Xhekaj, Struble takes matters into his own hands and settles the score with Cousins” – Karine Hains

In the end, Jayden Struble was still able to send a strong message, even if it’s somewhat embarrassing (for him) to acknowledge that Cousins avoided Xhekaj all evening.

If you have the guts to slash a youngster like Ivan Demidov, at least have the courage to face the consequences of your actions!