Clean Hit Or Not? NHL Fans Debate Jakob Chychrun’s Devastating Hit On Nick Cousins

Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun sparked widespread debate after delivering a massive hit on Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins during Washington's 3-2 overtime win on Tuesday. Cousins was attempting to regain the puck with his head down when Chychrun collided with him, causing Cousins' head to strike the glass before he fell face-first onto the ice. Chychrun was initially assessed a major penalty, but officials rescinded it entirely following a video review.

The hit divided fans over whether it was a clean check or an illegal blow targeting the head, though writer Steve Warne argues Chychrun appeared to brake before contact without a history of dirty play. Cousins was helped off the ice by team trainers, and the incident remains subject to possible review by the NHL's Department of Player Safety.