Last night’s preseason showdown between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators in Quebec was anything but routine.

What began as a simple test for young prospects quickly escalated into a fierce battle, marked by escalating tensions and a series of dangerous, controversial plays that left fans and experts stunned.

The atmosphere inside the Videotron Centre was electric, with emotions running high and stakes seemingly much greater than a typical exhibition game.

Amid the chaos, one incident stood out above the rest—a moment involving Nick Cousins and Ivan Demidov that forced Demidov to leave the ice and sent shockwaves through both teams.

As speculation swirls and the hockey world holds its breath, questions about potential NHL sanctions are mounting. Will the league’s Department of Player Safety step in with harsh penalties, or will the fallout be limited to financial fines?

With coaches, players, and insiders all weighing in, the aftermath of this heated clash has set the stage for even more drama as the Canadiens and Senators prepare to meet again soon.

What really happened during those crucial moments, and who will ultimately face consequences for their actions? Dive into the full story to uncover what’s next in this unfolding saga.

Ivan Demidov and Nick Cousins

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Canadiens and Senators clashed in Quebec in a heated game marked by dangerous plays, raising questions about possible NHL sanctions to follow.

At the Videotron Centre, the duel between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators quickly lost the character of a simple preseason game.

The matchup, which was mainly supposed to serve as a test for several young players, took a much more intense turn than expected. Violent and dirty plays multiplied, tensions rose on the ice, and everything ended in an electric atmosphere.

Among the key moments, the incident between Nick Cousins and Ivan Demidov particularly drew attention. A move judged dangerous forced Demidov to leave the game, sparking concern in the Montreal camp.

Here’s the clip:

Martin St-Louis didn’t mince words after the game, directly criticizing this type of unnecessary behavior during a simple exhibition match.

Financial penalties expected after Canadiens-Senators game

As Eric Engels reported this morning, the NHL could announce financial penalties following what he calls the “debacle last night in Quebec”.

I agree with him – some of the violent plays seen in the game will not go unnoticed by the Department of Player Safety.

“Expecting some fines following last night’s debacle in Quebec City.”

– Eric Engels

It’s still too early to know exactly who will be sanctioned, but the actions of Nick Cousins seem to be at the center of attention.

I’m really looking forward to following this story. The Canadiens will face the Sens once again Saturday night at the Bell Centre.