OTTAWA — Playoff success is a steep climb without your captain, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the Ottawa Senators and their leader, Brady Tkachuk.
Tkachuk, previously sidelined with an upper-body injury since March 30, made a comeback in Thursday`s Game 82. The strategy was to use this final game to prime him for his inaugural playoff journey.
It`s clear: for Ottawa to overcome their rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tkachuk must be in top form. This regular-season game was crucial for him to regain his rhythm.
“The first few shifts were definitely lively,” Tkachuk commented humorously after the game.
However, there was a moment of anxiety when Tkachuk`s participation in a game with no bearing on playoff standings seemed to backfire.
During Ottawa`s 7-5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, Tkachuk left the game as a precaution in the third period following a high stick incident in the second. Fortunately for Senators enthusiasts, Tkachuk has confirmed his readiness for Game 1 against Toronto.
“It was purely precautionary,” Tkachuk explained regarding his early departure.
“I took a couple of hits to the face, and the plan was to limit my playtime tonight, just enough to get my legs back in game shape.”
Tristan Blackwood