The Ottawa Senators are off to a rough start this season, holding a 6-5-2 record after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. They currently sit fifth in the Atlantic Division.
Captain Brady Tkachuk has only played three games this season and is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn thumb ligament. He suffered the injury when he was cross-checked into the boards by Nashville defenseman Roman Josi during Ottawa’s 4–1 loss to the Predators.
Next, the Senators will face the Boston Bruins on Thursday at TD Garden.
How does Brady Tkachuk feel about the Senators’ start to the season?
During a media appearance at the premiere of Amazon Prime’s FACEOFF: Inside the NHL, Tkachuk shared his thoughts on the team’s season so far. He described the Senators’ early effort as “passionate. I think what we’ve accomplished it created just that much more passion to, not just do it again, but, you know, for our standards to rise and the passion to, you know, achieve our, you know, childhood dreams and win this thing.”
When asked about being featured in Faceoff and the importance of showcasing players’ personalities, Tkachuk recalled, “Growing up know I was always watching the road to the Winter Classic and seeing the behind the scenes stuff like that and thinking it was the coolest thing in the world.”
He said he’s grateful for the chance to let fans see a more personal side of him, not just as a hockey player, but as someone who deeply values family and everyday life. He added that the series enables fans to connect with players on a deeper level and gain insight into who they really are beyond the ice.
“I think that’s important that, you know people don’t see but you know, show off, have an opportunity to showcase yourself and, you know, kind of almost feel like people and fans can be a part of it and get to know that side of things. I think that’s super cool opportunity.” Tkachuk said.
In Tkachuk’s absence, several Senators have stepped up. Drake Batherson, Tim Stützle, and defenseman Jake Sanderson led the charge.
Batherson was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week on Monday. He got three goals and eight points in four games. Despite missing the first three games of the season with an injury, he has scored five goals and 15 points so far.