The Ottawa Senators delivered one of their biggest wins of the season on Sunday, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3 in a crucial game for their playoff hopes.
The victory helped Ottawa stabilize its hold on the second wild card spot, but the night ultimately belonged to captain Brady Tkachuk, who received a loud show of support from the home crowd.
Senators Fans Rally Behind Brady Tkachuk
Tkachuk led the way with two goals and was named the game’s first star. After the final horn, he added to the moment by handing his stick to a fan in the stands. When he stayed on the ice for a postgame interview, the arena erupted into chants of “Brady,” making it clear that any recent controversy had been pushed aside.
Asked about the support, Tkachuk thanked the crowd and emphasized how important the fans are during the stretch run. “Like I said this whole time, we’re so proud to play in front of you guys, and it’s going to take everybody. It’s going to take three more home games, and you know what, they’re excited about what’s to come, so it’s going to take everybody,” Brady said.
The warm reception came just days after his father, Keith Tkachuk, made comments that sparked debate. Speaking on the ‘Wingmen’ podcast, Keith criticized what he viewed as a “softer” modern NHL, referencing players sitting out for rest or minor injuries. The remarks gained attention after goaltender Linus Ullmark rested in a key matchup before returning in a tough outing.
Some observers linked the comments to the Senators, but Brady quickly shut that down. He clarified that his father’s remarks were directed at the Florida Panthers, not Ottawa, and reiterated that his focus remains on helping the Senators win games.
“I don’t know how that got twisted and I have to talk about it now, but I thought it was clear as day. He was talking about the Florida Panthers,” Brady said.
Any lingering noise didn’t seem to matter Sunday. Tkachuk praised his teammates afterward, saying the group stayed with its game plan and fed off the energy in the building. “Took everybody. I mean, it’s easy to play in front of the energy that we have in here, so we’re going to need it for these next couple games. It’s the biggest ones we got,” he added.
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With momentum on their side, Ottawa now prepares for another critical stretch. The Senators will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday before welcoming the Panthers later in the week, games that could ultimately decide their postseason fate.
