Following the team`s Game 4 win against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk made a resolute statement as he left the ice: “We`ll be back.”
True to his word, Tkachuk delivered a pivotal performance on Tuesday, driving the Senators to a commanding 4-0 victory over the Leafs. This crucial win sends the series back to Ottawa for a decisive Game 6.
Tkachuk was instrumental from the start. He set up the opening goal by winning a faceoff back to Thomas Chabot, then effectively screened goaltender Anthony Stolarz on Chabot`s shot. He later contributed two additional points, including an empty-net goal, to complete a three-point night.
His exceptional play in these high-stakes games is silencing doubts about his ability to perform under pressure. With six points through his first five playoff appearances, Tkachuk is showing he can rise to the occasion. The Senators` key players are stepping up, presenting a stark contrast to the Toronto stars who have historically struggled under the weight of playoff expectations.
While pressure is often described as a privilege, it`s uncertain if the Maple Leafs and their fanbase currently see it that way, especially after the Senators clawed their way back from a 3-0 series deficit to make it 3-2.
When asked by Sportsnet`s Kyle Bukauskas after the game if the Senators had instilled doubt in the Leafs, the Ottawa captain`s response was direct:
“I think so.”
Tristan Blackwood