A gold medal can change how a player is viewed, both nationally and internationally. It can also create tension when a player plays in a foreign country and has defeated the same opponent in the Olympics. That’s the situation with Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
After the Olympic break, he has resumed his NHL season, but has to face Canadian fans.
Brady Tkachuk on Ottawa Reception After Beating Canada
Tkachuk resumes his NHL action after a memorable Olympic run with Team USA, where he played an important role in the team’s gold-medal win. He had 3 goals and five points with a +7 rating in the tournament.
The United States defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday, ending a long wait of over four decades. So, the result has added a different angle to Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa.
Tkachuk spoke about that situation during a recent appearance after Team USA’s visit to Washington.
“They’re not the happiest with me right now,” he said when asked about the reaction he expects in Ottawa. He added, “It’s a funny feeling when you feel their support every day, and then, within two weeks, you’re Public Enemy No. 1.”
Tkachuk made it clear that his approach will not change, saying, “I’m going back with a smile on my face, and I’m getting ready for a playoff push.”
During the tournament, Tkachuk played on a line centered by Jack Eichel and brought a physical presence along with timely offense. He scored the opening goal for Team USA in the tournament against Finland and later added goals in wins over Denmark and Slovakia.
The gold medal game was decided by Jack Hughes, who scored in overtime to secure the win.
After the Olympics, Tkachuk and teammate Jake Sanderson were invited to the White House. They met President Donald Trump and attended the State of the Union address on Feb. 24. The team has ended a 46-year gap without a gold medal in men’s hockey.
Now the focus returns to the NHL season, with the expectation of securing another playoff berth. Last year, Brady led his team to the playoffs for the first time after several years. So, they will try to stay in the Eastern Conference race once again.
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Ottawa had good results before the Olympic break, winning five of six games and limiting goals against during that span. The team begins with a home game against the Detroit Red Wings before heading on a five-game road trip.
The Red Wings, meanwhile, are also in the playoff race and are trying to recover after losing four of five games before the break.
For Tkachuk, the transition from international success to the NHL is happening quickly. But he understands the reaction in Ottawa may not be the same as before the Olympics.
