Senators’ Brady Tkachuk sends clear message after cautious return before Stanley Cup Playoffs

Following the return of Brady Tkachuk, the Ottawa Senators staged a thrilling comeback on Thursday night, netting four goals in the third period to clinch a dramatic 7–5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Drake Batherson led the offensive onslaught with two goals and an assist in a contest that kept fans riveted until the final whistle.

The game was also notable for the cautious handling of Tkachuk, who sat out the third period after returning from an upper-body injury that had sidelined him for eight games.

Adam Gaudette also impressed with a brace, while Dylan Cozens and Tim Stützle each recorded a goal and two assists. The Senators (45–30–7) closed their regular season on a strong note, going 6–1–1 over their last eight contests.

“I’m really happy with the way our group has played (this season),” said head coach Travis Green, in his first campaign behind the bench for Ottawa. “You come into a new job, you’re not quite sure, you don’t know the players, and from Day 1, I’ve said, like, they’ve been very coachable and they’ve got a burning desire to win, and they’ve done nothing but show that.”

Tkachuk returns, takes a hit, and exits as a precaution

Brady Tkachuk made his long-anticipated return to the lineup, but his night ended after two periods for precautionary reasons. The rugged forward appeared shaken after taking a stick to the face from Carolina’s Mark Jankowski at 14:53 of the second period. His final shift came during the subsequent power play.

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“Took a couple of sticks in the face,“ Tkachuk explained. “The plan was that I wasn’t going to play much tonight, just get my legs underneath me. It was a [coach, doctor and trainer] decision. To be honest, I got everything I needed out of tonight. I felt good. Just precautionary and nothing to worry about.”

Will Tkachuk be ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

When asked if he expects to be available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, Tkachuk responded decisively and sent a clear message: “Yes, no issues.”