Most hated player in the NHL takes hit to head from teammate in warmup

Nick Cousins hasn't made many fans for himself outside of Florida. In warmup for today's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, hockey fans got a treat to see Cousins decked out by his own teammate.

By total accident in warmup, Vladimir Tarasenko collided hard with Cousins, launching him fully in the air and popping off his helmet. On the other hand, Tarasenko looked like he barely even moved.

As the Panthers have risen to become a consistent Stanley Cup threat, Nick Cousins has really evolved into one of the biggest pests in the league. There's been multiple instances of him this year laying dirty hits and turtling to avoid the consequences. At the all-star break, Cousins was voted the most punchable face by other NHL players.




For a player who clearly likes to stir the pot and play on the edge, it's pretty humbling to be laid out in warmup. Hopefully this incident might even mellow out Cousins a bit - but we all know that won't be the case.

Tonight, the Florida Panthers will look to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning in just five games. Clearly, there's a new powerhouse team emerging in the state of Florida.