The NHL’s 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and just as expected, some players are making life difficult for their opponents. These players are not just skilled; they are known as “pests” – experts at frustrating and distracting the other team. So far, a few of these pests have been doing exactly what they’re famous for, stirring up emotions and creating chaos on the ice.
Tom Wilson Stirring Things Up
Washington Capitals’ right winger Tom Wilson showed why he’s considered one of the NHL’s top pests. In Game 3 of their series against the Montreal Canadiens, Wilson got into a wild brawl with Canadiens’ forward Josh Anderson. His over-the-top facial expressions even made it seem like he was mocking the Canadiens, almost like a pro wrestler!
After the game, Wilson admitted, “I just gotta be a little bit better, maybe turning away and playing hockey.” Though he has two assists in three games, many believe he could help his team even more if he focused a little less on stirring trouble and more on scoring goals.
Matthew Tkachuk Annoys the Lightning
In Florida, another well-known pest, Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers, made headlines in Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tkachuk laid a late hit on Tampa’s star winger Jake Guentzel when the Panthers were already losing badly.
The referees gave Tkachuk a five-minute major penalty for interference, but he escaped further punishment from the league. Lightning captain Victor Hedman wasn’t happy, saying, “We can’t control what the league thinks is interference and what’s suspendable and not suspendable. So, we’re just gonna fight through that.”
While Tkachuk’s antics annoy his opponents, he backs up his actions with his performance. He has already scored three goals and collected four points in just three playoff games, showing he’s more than just a troublemaker.
Ottawa Senators’ Pests Causing Trouble
Meanwhile, in the ‘Battle of Ontario’ between the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs, pests Ridly Greig and Nick Cousins are making their presence felt. In a shocking move before Game 3, Cousins shot a puck at Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz during warmups, earning a fine from the NHL.
Greig has also been busy irritating the Leafs, even provoking Stolarz to react angrily. However, between Greig and Cousins, there’s only been one goal and no assists so far in the playoffs. Clearly, they are doing more to distract than to actually contribute on the scoreboard.
How to Handle the Pests
Players like Wilson, Tkachuk, Greig, and Cousins are no strangers to this style of play. They were never in the running for the Lady Byng Trophy, an award given to the NHL’s most gentlemanly players, and it’s unlikely they will be winning over many fans outside their own teams.
The best way to beat these pests is simple but tough: ignore them. Staying calm and not reacting emotionally is the key. It’s much easier said than done, especially when playoff pressure is high, but losing focus for even a moment can be the difference between winning and losing.
Teams that stay disciplined take away the power these pests have. Coaches and experienced players know this well, and it becomes a big part of playoff strategy.
As the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue, expect pests like Wilson, Tkachuk, Cousins, and Greig to keep pushing the limits. While their antics might frustrate opponents and fans, the smart teams will stay focused on winning, not reacting. In the end, the teams that keep their cool and stick to their game plans will have the best chances of lifting the Stanley Cup. Emotional control isn’t just good for players – it could be the ultimate weapon against the NHL’s top troublemakers this postseason.
