The Ottawa Senators earned a solid home win, but the focus did not stay on the score for long. A second-period incident changed the feel of the game. It also led to questions after the final buzzer.
That moment became a major part of the postgame conversation, especially with a star involved.
Senators Coach Reacts Carefully After Brady Tkachuk Takes Blindside Punch
The Senators beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-2 on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre and controlled much of the night. Thomas Chabot scored twice, with one goal on the power play and another early in the second period. Drake Batherson and Claude Giroux also scored, and Giroux added an empty-net goal late. Ottawa finished with 27 shots and converted twice on the power play.
Tim Stutzle had an assist and stretched his point streak to 12 games. The Senators played with pace and spent long shifts in the offensive zone. Winnipeg finished with 23 shots and dropped its ninth straight game. Kyle Connor scored and added an assist, but the Jets could not slow down Ottawa after falling behind.
Brady Tkachuk did not score, yet his impact showed throughout the game. He battled along the boards, drew penalties, and helped create space for teammates. Tkachuk also played a physical game that helped swing momentum early. His presence was felt even without a point.
The key moment came in the second period after a board-side collision with Jets defenseman Logan Stanley. Following a brief scuffle that removed Tkachuk’s helmet, Stanley punched him in the face while Tkachuk was looking away and had his gloves on. Tkachuk fell to the ice, and both benches reacted right away.
Officials gave Stanley a double minor on the play. Tkachuk, who did not throw a punch, received a 10-minute misconduct. The call surprised many and added tension to an already physical game. Tkachuk later returned and finished the game.
Afterward, Senators head coach Travis Green spoke carefully about the decision. “I will probably choose my words wisely,” Green said, via The Athletic. “If the refs had to do it again and call it again, they’d probably make a different call. You never like to see a guy get suckered in the face. It’s unfortunate, we’re lucky he came back.”
Green also pointed to how the call would feel if roles were reversed. “He’s an All-Star player. I’m sure their team wouldn’t be happy if (Kyle) Connor got suckered in the face and there was just a two-minute minor for roughing called,” he said.
READ MORE: NHL World Takes Sides in Brady Tkachuk Vs. Logan Stanley Fistfight
Ottawa now looks ahead to its next game at home. The Senators face the Detroit Red Wings on Monday at Canadian Tire Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Ottawa enters with a 20-15-5 record, while Detroit comes in at 24-15-4.
