Nick Cousins has unfollowed Jakob Chychrun on Instagram, according to NHL Follow Tracker, after the Capitals defenseman's hit on Tuesday night.
It's a small detail, but it adds a strange subplot to a hit that ended the Senators forward's night in Ottawa. The Capitals won 3-2 in overtime, and Cousins played just 12:12 before he was done.
Cousins has not said anything publicly about the unfollow in anything we've seen. It could be pure emotion, or it could be nothing at all. Fans will read into it either way.
Back in the game itself, the hit came late in the third period. Chychrun finished with an assist, two shots on goal and two penalty minutes in 22:39 of ice time, and Washington left with the extra point.
Senators coach Travis Green said Cousins was "not doing great" right after the game, Travis Green's update on Nick Cousins that set the tone for the night in Ottawa.
Green then made his feelings clear Wednesday. Travis Green's anger over the Chychrun hit centered on his surprise that no penalty was called.
How long Cousins is out and what Ottawa does next
Bruce Garrioch reported this morning that Cousins will be out a week to 10 days. For a player the Senators lean on for energy, that is a real hole in the lineup.
Cousins has 3 points in 19 games this season, but he also has 44 penalty minutes, and that edge is what he brings. Ottawa will miss the physical presence more than the scoresheet.
Our view: with the Senators coach openly puzzled about the lack of a call, Ottawa has every right to be angry. A forward leaving the ice needing help from teammates and trainers should at least prompt a penalty. An Instagram unfollow is the least of the issues here.
Ottawa, 11-6-2 and fourth in the Atlantic, has to regroup quickly. The Senators host Colorado on Thursday, while the Capitals play at New Jersey the same day.
Quick hits
CALGARY FLAMES: Ryan Pike reports Jonathan Huberdeau and Sam Honzek were full participants in Wednesday's morning skate. That's a notable step for both, and Flames fans will be watching closely.
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EDMONTON OILERS: Dave Staples just reported that a top-six Oilers winger will be sent to the minors as part of injury rehab. The name is still missing, which has fans guessing.
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TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Beat writer EddieInTheYard says Andrei Vasilevskiy looks like the starter tonight in Buffalo after the optional morning skate. No surprise, but it's good to know.
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DALLAS STARS: Robert Tiffin reports Miro Heiskanen was missing from practice again, one day before the Jets visit. Dallas fans will want answers soon.
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TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Mark Masters reports Zack MacEwen did not take part in practice after leaving last night's game favouring his wrist. It's a worrying sign for the fourth line.
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This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.
Should Jakob Chychrun have been penalized for his hit on Nick Cousins?
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