NHL Playoffs: Five ‘Villains’ Opposing Fans Love to Loathe
In each playoff series, heroes and villains alike occupy opposite ends of the love/hate spectrum, and this year is no exception. Only time will reveal which players ultimately emerge as heroes for their respective teams, but already we can identify those players who have embraced the role of villain as they strive for hockey’s most coveted championship.
In no particular order, here are five NHL villains whom opposing fans delight in despising, complete with some newly crafted, pro-wrestling style monikers that suit each of them:
Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights
Pro Wrestling Name: ‘Mr. LTIR’
Why he’s a villain: Though he may simply be unlucky, Stone’s track record of late-season injuries followed by timely returns for the playoffs has raised eyebrows among rival fan bases. In both of the last two years, Stone has miraculously recovered just in time for the postseason after being sidelined near the end of the regular season. While there’s nothing inherently nefarious about this pattern, it has understandably fueled suspicion among opponents.
As evidenced by vocal booing from fans during Game 1 of the Golden Knights’ series against Dallas, Stone has become a lightning rod for controversy, with Stars supporters particularly vocal in their disdain for him.
Should there be any future changes in playoff LTIR rules or regulations regarding player recoveries, don’t be surprised if Stone’s name becomes synonymous with those alterations.
Max Domi, Toronto Maple Leafs
Pro Wrestling Name: ‘The Domi-nant Dude’
Why he’s a villain: Following in the footsteps of his father, NHL legend Tie Domi, Max Domi couldn’t care less about earning the ire of fans from opposing teams with his gritty, physical style of play.
As demonstrated in the first two playoff games against Boston, Domi embodies the abrasive, hard-nosed presence that the Maple Leafs have lacked in recent seasons. Now occupying a spot on Toronto’s top line alongside Auston Matthews and Tyler Bertuzzi, Domi has proven himself to be a dynamic performer who thrives on contact and thrives in high-pressure situations.
In Game 1, Domi engaged in a pre-game altercation with Brad Marchand (more on him later), setting the tone for an intense series. And in Game 2, he backed up his words with a goal and an assist.
Domi’s willingness to play a physical, antagonistic style of hockey has filled a void for the Leafs, and while this may earn him the enmity of opponents and their fans, he is more than willing to shoulder that burden. Hailing from a family known for their tenacity and willingness to stand up for themselves and their teammates, Domi has proven to be a valuable addition to the Maple Leafs in his inaugural season with the club.
Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
Pro Wrestling Name: ‘Boston’s B(r)ad Boy’
Why he’s a villain: Few players in modern NHL history have had a greater impact on their opponents’ psyche than Marchand.
Even as he enters the latter stages of his career and chooses his moments more selectively when it comes to getting under the skin of his adversaries, Marchand’s mere presence on the ice is enough to unnerve opponents.
Leafs players (including Domi) have singled out Marchand as a source of frustration this postseason, and while Marchand has refrained from retaliation and avoided unnecessary penalties, he remains capable of disrupting opponents and causing them considerable discomfort.
It is precisely this combination of grit and determination that makes Marchand such a formidable player, and it’s unlikely that he’ll adopt a more subdued approach as his career progresses. His methods work, and he has no intention of straying from the tried-and-true tactics that have made him so effective.
Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals
Pro Wrestling Name: ‘Tommy Gun’
Why he’s a villain: Like Marchand, Wilson takes pride in getting under the skin of his opponents with his physical, fearless — some might say reckless — style of play. Despite criticism, Wilson is a Stanley Cup champion, indicating that his approach has been effective.
However, at 30 years old, Wilson’s physicality has begun to take its toll. He hasn’t played a full 82-game regular season since 2016-17, and his goal production has declined in recent years.
Wilson won’t be remembered as a saint by hockey historians, but he has no intention of toning down his aggressive style of play. With Washington relying on his grit, Wilson will continue to be a significant presence for the Capitals, as he is under contract until the 2030-31 season.
Nick Cousins, Florida Panthers
Pro Wrestling Name: ‘Icky’
Why he’s a villain: A newcomer to the ranks of hockey’s most reviled players, Cousins has emerged as a gritty specialist for the Panthers over the past two seasons, making his mark against playoff opponents such as the Leafs and Golden Knights.
Though he may not be a prolific point producer, the 30-year-old forward leaves a lasting impression with his physicality and willingness to get under opponents’ skin. As a pending unrestricted free agent this summer, Cousins is likely to attract interest from teams seeking to add depth and toughness to their roster without breaking the bank.
