Key Highlights
- Nick Cousins suffered a frightening injury during the Ottawa Senators’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals.
- Ottawa has not announced a diagnosis or timetable after Cousins was hit by Washington defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
- Cousins’ previous concussion, which caused him to miss 12 games in 2023-24, adds to concern about his availability.
Nick Cousins injured in late collision against Capitals
Nick Cousins’ health has become a major concern for the Ottawa Senators after the veteran forward was injured during Tuesday night’s 3-2 overtime defeat to the Washington Capitals. The 33-year-old was left on the ice after a heavy collision with Washington defenseman Jakob Chychrun late in the third period.
The incident occurred with approximately three minutes remaining in regulation as Cousins attempted to collect the puck along the boards in Ottawa’s defensive zone. Chychrun closed in and delivered a powerful shoulder check that sent Cousins crashing into the boards. Cousins remained face down on the ice before eventually getting back to his feet with assistance from teammates and medical staff.
Cousins did not return to the game, and Ottawa head coach Travis Green provided a troubling initial assessment afterward. “He’s not doing great,” Green said after the game, according to reporting from The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie.
Senators await medical assessment
The Senators have not yet provided a detailed medical diagnosis or established how long Cousins could be sidelined. Officials reviewed the collision for a potential five-minute major penalty but ultimately decided not to award a penalty, a decision that frustrated Green.
“You don’t usually see it where it goes from a major to no penalty,” Green said. “But I thought it was a head shot to a player that wasn’t ready for it. They must have saw it different.”
There is no confirmation that Cousins suffered another concussion in the collision. Ottawa is expected to wait for further medical assessments before determining his availability and whether changes will be necessary to the team’s forward combinations.
Potential lineup impact for Ottawa
Cousins had been playing on the Senators’ second line alongside Shane Pinto and Drake Batherson. If he misses an extended period, Sammy Blais has been identified as a potential replacement, although Ottawa has not confirmed any lineup changes.
Cousins has recorded two goals and one assist in 19 appearances this season. The 33-year-old is in his second spell with Ottawa after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024.
The injury is especially concerning because Cousins previously missed 12 games during the 2023-24 season while playing for the Panthers after sustaining a concussion following a hit from Jason Zucker.
Why This Matters
Cousins’ condition could affect both Ottawa’s lineup planning and its forward depth, particularly because he had been assigned a regular role on the second line. The Senators must balance their immediate need to replace him with the need to follow medical protocols before making a decision about his return. Further assessments will determine whether the injury leads to a short-term absence or a longer period out of the lineup.
Tuesday’s loss added to Ottawa’s frustration. The Senators surrendered their third-period advantage before Cole Hutson scored 1:14 into overtime to secure Washington’s 3-2 victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Nick Cousins?
Cousins was hit by Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun late in the third period and was helped off the ice after remaining face down near the boards.
Has Nick Cousins been diagnosed with a concussion?
No. The Ottawa Senators have not disclosed a specific diagnosis, and there is no confirmation that Cousins suffered another concussion.
Who could replace Nick Cousins?
Sammy Blais has been identified as a potential replacement if Cousins misses an extended period, but the Senators have not confirmed a lineup change.
