Brady Tkachuk is prepared for the big stage.
Leading up to his first Stanley Cup Playoffs game, the Ottawa Senators captain expressed his excitement for Game 1 of the Ontario rivalry against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, stating he has been eagerly awaiting this moment.
“I slept incredibly well, one of the best sleeps in a while. Waking up today, it`s hard to believe it`s finally here,” Tkachuk mentioned after Sunday`s morning practice. “… This moment has been a long time in the making.”
Tkachuk, drafted fourth overall by Ottawa in 2018, had not reached the playoffs in his initial six NHL seasons.
However, this season, Tkachuk played a key role in guiding the Senators back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017, and he seems more than ready for the significant challenge.
His parents are also clearly excited. Tkachuk mentioned that his mother and father will be supporting the Senators throughout their entire playoff journey, instead of his brother Matthew Tkachuk`s Florida Panthers.
“They experienced the Stanley Cup run last year,” the younger Tkachuk commented.
This means Tkachuk`s father, the renowned NHL legend Keith Tkachuk, will be among the many Senators supporters traveling to Toronto for Game 1.
Game 1 of the Battle of Ontario can be watched live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
Tristan Blackwood