The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Ottawa Senators</a> have been navigating the season without their captain, Brady Tkachuk, who went down with a thumb injury in their third game. Tkachuk had already contributed three assists before undergoing surgery. His absence forced the team to adapt on the ice, but Ottawa has managed a 10-5-4 record during his recovery.



Coach Travis Green indicated optimism about Tkachuk’s return, suggesting the forward could be back “sooner than later”, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/ottawa-senators-brady-tkachuk-playing-status-could-return-from-injury-this-week" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. Tkachuk could return from a thumb injury this week for the Senators.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Tkachuk</a>, 26, has now returned to full participation in practice, offering a boost to both the locker room and on-ice leadership. Coach Green praised the team’s resilience and noted the captain’s readiness to rejoin the squad.



The captain Tkachuk expressed his eagerness to return and contribute to what the club has built during his absence: “I think they’re kind of doing whatever it takes to win. The compete and will to win level is the highest I’ve ever seen, so just looking to add to that when we get back and join what they’ve built the last five weeks.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251125_BUS_533456_Brady-Tkachuk-7-of-the-Ottawa-Senators-skates-during-the-third-period-against-the-Montreal-Canadien_0d10ca12.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Brady Tkachuk " class="wp-image-380300" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens. Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Tkachuk’s impact</h2>



Even while sidelined, Tkachuk’s presence has been felt. He has totaled 407 points in 515 NHL regular-season games and seven points in six Stanley Cup Playoff contests. 


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General manager Steve Staios also highlighted the captain’s leadership during his recovery, emphasizing the team’s commitment to maintaining performance in his absence. “Brady’s done all he can to continue to lead, even with his injury, being in and around the group,” Staios said.


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As Ottawa looks ahead, Tkachuk’s imminent return is expected to strengthen both scoring and morale, giving the Senators a key boost as they push through the road-heavy November schedule.

NHL News: Senators coach Travis Green provides crucial update on captain Brady Tkachuk’s recovery timeline

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NHL News: Senators coach Travis Green provides crucial update on captain Brady Tkachuk's recovery timeline - Bolavip US

Senators coach Green provides crucial update on captain Tkachuk's recovery timeline

miniaturas

In the century-long history, hoisting the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup</a> is the ultimate prize, the gold standard against which all 32 franchises are measured. While teams boast deep traditions and countless playoff runs, the narrative is different for others.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>‘s expansion era, which began in the late 1960s and continued well into the 21st century, brought the excitement of professional hockey to new markets, spreading the wealth of talent and fan engagement. However, the introduction of fresh clubs also meant starting from scratch.



This disparity creates a compelling backdrop for examining the league’s competitive balance. While perennial contenders often overshadow the less successful teams, it is the franchises with the scarcest Final appearances that tell an equally dramatic tale of organizational growing pains.



<h2>Nashville Predators | 1 Stanley Cup Final appearance</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Nashville-Predators_31c1b523.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530803"></figure><figcaption>Nashville Predators players in 2024. (Source: Derek Cain/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Since joining the NHL in 1998, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nashville-predators">Nashville Predators</a> have been perennial playoff contenders—but the Stanley Cup Final has eluded them nearly their entire existence. Their lone trip to the Final came in the 2016–17 season, a breakthrough run that saw them upset higher-seeded teams and capture the imagination of a hockey city.



That playoff run was built on grit. As the 8th seed, Nashville swept the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, then proceeded to knock off the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks to reach the Final. But despite their underdog momentum, they fell short in the championship round—denied the ultimate hardware, and left to chase that dream again.



Even after that near miss, the Predators remain defined by ambition. Their only Stanley Cup Final berth stands as a reminder of both how far they’ve come and how much remains to be done. Among NHL franchises, they are a clear example of sustained competitiveness that has yet to cross the final threshold.



<h2>San Jose Sharks | 1 appearance</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_San-Jose-Sharks_f7fb8ede.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530809"></figure><figcaption>Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks in 2019. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">San Jose Sharks</a>, founded in 1991, came agonizingly close to their first Stanley Cup in the 2016 Final. That season marked a watershed moment: the franchise’s first-ever appearance in the Cup Final after years of regular playoff appearances.



Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Sharks pushed hard, igniting massive passion throughout the Bay Area. But in Game 6 at home, the Penguins pulled away with a 3–1 win, sealing the series 4–2. Despite the defeat, the Sharks’ run remains a defining moment for a team that long seemed cursed outside of regular-season success.



That lone Final appearance still carries weight. For San Jose, it’s more than a missed title: it’s proof that the arena-level brilliance, big-game talent, and high-caliber coaching can converge—if only one more time.



<h2>Ottawa Senators | 1 appearance</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Ottawa-Senators-1_4234a8b3.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530815"></figure><figcaption>David Perron #57 of the Ottawa Senators in 2025. (Source: Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The modern <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Ottawa Senators</a>, re-established in 1992, have only made it to the Stanley Cup Final once, in 2007. It was a milestone for a younger franchise hoping to shake the “expansion team” label, but the outcome was bitter: Ottawa lost the Final 4–1 to the Anaheim Ducks.



That series was the high-water mark for the early Senators era. They entered the playoffs with momentum, but Anaheim’s composure and experience proved too much in the long run.



For Ottawa, that single Final trip is both a source of pride and a frustration. It serves as a reminder that they have tasted what’s possible—but also how far they must go to break through and claim their first Stanley Cup.



<h2>Vegas Golden Knights | 2 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Vegas-Golden-Knights_5f88121b.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530816"></figure><figcaption>Mark Stone #61 of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vegas-golden-knights">Vegas Golden Knights</a> remain one of the most compelling stories in modern NHL history. As a young expansion team, they stunned the league by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in just their second season (2018), only to fall to the Washington Capitals.



But what makes their legacy even more extraordinary is what came next: in 2023, the Knights returned to the Final and closed the deal, beating the Florida Panthers 4–1. The clincher happened in dramatic fashion — a 9–3 Game 5 at home, highlighted by captain Mark Stone’s hat trick and Jonathan Marchessault earning Conn Smythe honors.



<h2>Anaheim Ducks | 2 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Anaheim-Ducks_30e0a81c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530817"></figure><figcaption>Anaheim Ducks players in 2006. (Source: Harry How/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anaheim-ducks">Anaheim Ducks</a>’ journey to the Stanley Cup Final reads like a Hollywood script. Their first appearance came in 2003 when they were still known as the Mighty Ducks — facing the New Jersey Devils in a grueling seven-game series, and ultimately falling short.



But four years later, in 2007, they returned with renewed strength. That year, Anaheim defeated the Ottawa Senators in just five games to claim their first and only Stanley Cup. What makes that victory especially rich in story is that it marked a full-circle moment for a franchise born out of pop culture: the movie-inspired Ducks had become champions in real life.



<h2>Carolina Hurricanes | 2 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Carolina-Hurricanes_8b963b97.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530818"></figure><figcaption>Logan Stankoven #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2025. (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-hurricanes">Carolina Hurricanes</a> have had their share of Stanley Cup Final drama, and their narrative is as poignant as it is triumphant. Their first Final came in 2002, but they were outclassed by a powerhouse Detroit Red Wings squad.



Undeterred, the Hurricanes returned in 2006 for a rematch on a grand stage — this time against the Edmonton Oilers. Down to the wire, they forced a Game 7 and captured the Cup by winning 3–1 on home ice, with rookie Cam Ward earning Conn Smythe honors. That moment became a defining chapter: a franchise that had tasted disappointment climbing all the way to the summit.



<h2>Washington Capitals | 2 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Washington-Capitals-1_bcc95750.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530821"></figure><figcaption>Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals in 2012. (Source: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a>’ championship story is rooted in perseverance. Their first Stanley Cup Final came in 1998, but they suffered a sweep at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings.



It would take two decades of near-misses, heartbreaks, and reinvention before they finally broke through. In 2018, led by Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games to win their first-ever Stanley Cup.



<h2>Buffalo Sabres | 2 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Buffalo-Sabres_0a9ce010.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530822"></figure><figcaption>Chris Drury #23 of the Buffalo Sabres in 2007. (Source: Rick Stewart/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-sabres">Buffalo Sabres</a>’ Stanley Cup Final story is defined by frustration, resilience, and the kind of heartbreak that becomes part of a franchise’s mythology. Their first appearance came in 1975, during the era of the famed “French Connection,” but the run ended at the hands of a dominant Flyers squad.



Decades later, in 1999, Buffalo returned to the Final only to endure one of the most infamous endings in NHL history — Brett Hull’s overtime goal counted despite the disputed “skate in the crease,” sealing the series for Dallas and leaving Sabres fans with a lingering rallying cry: “No Goal”. For a team still chasing its first championship, those near-misses loom larger than any banner.



<h2>Colorado Avalanche | 3 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Colorado-Avalache_91d333d1.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530823"></figure><figcaption>Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche in 2025. (Source: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche">Colorado Avalanche</a>’s relationship with the Stanley Cup Final is a showcase of transformation — from relocation to immediate glory. After moving from Quebec in 1995, the newly minted Avalanche wasted no time, reaching and winning the Final in 1996 behind Joe Sakic’s leadership and Patrick Roy’s brilliance.



Their second title came in 2001, capping off Ray Bourque’s storied career with an emotional finish that remains one of the league’s most iconic moments. And two decades later, the Avalanche surged back in 2022, blending speed, youth, and firepower to defeat Tampa Bay and claim their third championship.



<h2>Los Angeles Kings | 3 appearances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251120_BUS_530753_Los-Angeles-Kings_01165c28.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-530824"></figure><figcaption>Phillip Danault #24 of the Los Angeles Kings in 2025. (Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-kings">Los Angeles Kings</a> spent decades as an underdog franchise — a team with flashes of star power but little postseason reward. Their first Stanley Cup Final appearance arrived in 1993 during the Wayne Gretzky era, a magical run that ended against the Montreal Canadiens. Nearly twenty years later, Los Angeles reinvented itself with a bruising, defensively suffocating identity that changed everything.



In 2012, the Kings stormed through the playoffs as the unexpected eighth seed, winning the Stanley Cup with a mix of grit and dominance. They returned in 2014 with even greater resilience, surviving three straight seven-game series before defeating the Rangers for their second championship.

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NHL franchises with the least Stanley Cup playoff history: Which teams have the fewest Final appearances? - Bolavip US

The NHL is not playing around when it comes to stern decisions this season. Just 19 games into the campaign, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ottawa Senators</a> forward Nick Cousins has been on the eye of the storm. Now, the league is assessing a monetary fine on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanley Cup</a> champion for his behavior on the ice.



Cousins has long been a player few fanbases are fond of. Constantly pushing the edge of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> rulebook, the 32-year-old veteran has made more enemies than friends around the league. However, the league’s latest fine wasn’t for a dangerous play, it was for conduct that fell short of the sport’s expected sense of sportsmanship.



“Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins has been fined $2,000 as supplementary discipline under NHL Rule 64 (Diving/Embellishment),” the NHL announced through an <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/nick-cousins-fined-for-diving-embellishment-by-nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">official statement</a>.



<h2>NHL looks to take diving off the game</h2>



There may be nothing hockey fans across the globe dislike more than players diving. For a sport that prides itself on being the toughest to play and boasting the grittiest athletes, watching others try to take advantage by embellishing and drawing calls boils the blood of fans everywhere. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/18143226/nick-cousins-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-529502"></figure><figcaption>Nick Cousins during a game with the Ottawa Senators</figcaption></figure>



In that regard, the NHL agrees there is no place for diving in the game. If players want to do that, there’s another Olympic sport they can sign up for. As a result, the league has implemented a fine system in which players cited for diving or embellishment are punished on a graduated scale.


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<h2>How the fine system works</h2>



“NHL Rule 64 is designed to bring attention to and more seriously penalize players (and teams) who repeatedly dive and embellish in an attempt to draw penalties,” the NHL’s rulebook states.



For the first citation, players essentially get a mulligan—a free pass, if you will—getting off the hook with only a warning. However, after the second one, the player will see money deducted from his bank account—most precisely, $2,000. After each additional citation, an extra $1,000 is added to the total, up to the maximum fine of $5,000.



<h2>Head coaches are not off the hook</h2>



Moreover, head coaches are impacted by their players’ actions as well. Each citation issued to a player on their team counts toward the head coach’s total. “Four fines (five citations) issued to one player or a club collectively results in the head coach receiving his first fine,” the rule indicates.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/18143723/nick-cousins-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-529508"></figure><figcaption>Nick Cousins hoists the Stanley Cup</figcaption></figure>



With Cousins already on his second citation less than a quarter through the 2025-26 NHL season, Senators head coach Travis Green may want to have a chat with the veteran. If not, Green may find himself footing the bill for the sins of the veteran, as well.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691ccacd2d286e1484d5eb00" data-title="What&apos;s your take on the NHL&apos;s fining system for embellishment citations?" data-options="4"></div>

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NHL makes punishment decision on Stanley Cup champion for behavior throughout the season - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Ottawa Senators</a> have made a decisive move to stabilize their roster during a challenging stretch of the NHL season. With captain Brady Tkachuk sidelined due to a thumb injury, the team announced a four-year contract extension for forward Shane Pinto, locking him in at a $7.5 million average annual value through the 2029-30 season.



At 25, Pinto has quietly emerged as one of Ottawa’s most reliable two-way forwards. His ability to generate offense while maintaining defensive responsibility has earned praise from teammates and coaches alike. 



With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Brady Tkachuk</a> expected to miss time until mid-December, Pinto’s leadership and consistency will be pivotal as the Senators aim to stay competitive in the Atlantic Division.



The timing of the extension also signals the front office’s intent to build around its young talent. “Shane is an important part of our core and we are pleased to have him with us for the foreseeable future,” said general manager and president of hockey operations Steve Staios, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/senators-sign-forward-shane-pinto-to-a-four-year-contract-extension" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “This is a great opportunity for this group to grow together.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Four more years of 😛😛😛 The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sens</a> have signed Shane Pinto to a four-year contract extension! <a href="https://t.co/i76IGVpbmr">pic.twitter.com/i76IGVpbmr</a>— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) <a href="https://twitter.com/Senators/status/1988962529884749885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>What’s in Shane Pinto’s contract?</h2>



According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Pinto’s deal includes a 10-team no-trade clause in Years 3 and 4. The structure gives the forward some long-term stability while allowing the Senators to plan around him as a central piece of their roster.


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This extension positions Pinto as a key figure for Ottawa’s immediate and future competitiveness, especially with the team navigating the absence of its captain. The Senators now turn their focus to integrating their young talent effectively and staying on track in the playoff race.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6915e2bf2d286e1484d5ea87" data-title="What impact will Shane Pinto’s roster decision have on the Senators this season?" data-options="4"></div>

Senators take decisive action as Brady Tkachuk remains sidelined

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NHL News: Senators make major roster decision on Shane Pinto amid captain Brady Tkachuk's absence - Bolavip US

Senators make major roster decision on Pinto amid captain Tkachuk's absence

NHL News: Senators make major roster decision on Shane Pinto amid captain Brady Tkachuk’s absence

The Ottawa Senators have quietly built momentum without their captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Brady Tkachuk</a>, who remains sidelined following thumb surgery. What began as a concerning stretch has turned into a test of resolve, one the team has answered convincingly.



The recovery process for Tkachuk continues as expected after undergoing surgery on October 16, but in his absence, the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators"> Senators</a> have embraced a collective mentality. Their 4–2 win over the Utah Mammoth on Sunday reflected just that — a group effort marked by consistency, accountability, and composure under pressure.



General manager Steve Staios made it clear that the team’s recent surge is no accident. “The strength is in the group and in the team, the way that we play, the way we’re coached, the commitment, the character of this group. That’s our identity,” he said Monday, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/ottawa-finding-ways-to-win-without-brady-tkachuk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>.



<h2>How have the Senators maintained their identity?</h2>



Coach Travis Green credited the group’s composure and willingness to adjust. “As much as we want him in the lineup, we have players who can play. It’s just the next-man-up mentality,” Green said. “You have to win with injuries in this league.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251111_BUS_524381_Brady-Tkachuk-1024x576_db185401.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brady Tkachuk" class="wp-image-370532" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Senators skates against the Capitals during the first period on March 03, 2025. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What has changed since the early struggles?</h2>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/panthers-brad-marchand-five-game-goal-streak-draws-reaction-from-hc-paul-maurice-after-win-over-golden-knights"></div>


The Senators’ slow 2–4–1 start exposed areas where the team pressed offensively. Staios said those issues stemmed not from lack of effort, but from misplaced urgency. “It seemed like we were eager to try to get on the offense; just a little disconnected that way,” he explained. “All well intended though. Our defensemen were moving up the ice, but just a little bit disconnected and not playing to our identity.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6913519c9aa011c75538d55e" data-title="Can the Senators maintain their current form without Brady Tkachuk?" data-options="4"></div>


<h2>Focus on consistency and growth</h2>



With Tkachuk still weeks away from returning, the Senators continue to build confidence without their captain.“Brady’s done all he can to continue to lead, even with his injury, being in and around the group,” Staios said. “Credit to the group. We know how much of an impact he is for us as a team, yet our players took it upon themselves to step up and continue to play well.”

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NHL News: Senators GM Steve Staios sends strong message on team's mindset without Brady Tkachuk - Bolavip US

Senators GM Staios sends strong message on team's mindset without Tkachuk

NHL News: Senators GM Steve Staios sends strong message on team’s mindset without Brady Tkachuk

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Ottawa Senators</a> have endured a bumpy start to the NHL season, struggling to find consistency amid injuries and tough divisional matchups. Their latest 4-3 overtime defeat against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens">Montreal Canadiens</a> left them sitting at 6-5-2, fifth in the Atlantic Division, as frustration continues to mount in Ottawa.



For <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Brady Tkachuk</a>, the challenge has been both physical and emotional. The Senators’ captain has played only three games this season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn thumb ligament — an injury suffered when Roman Josi cross-checked him into the boards during a 4-1 loss to the Nashville Predators.



During a media appearance at the premiere of Amazon Prime’s FACEOFF: Inside the NHL, Tkachuk shared his thoughts on the Senators’ early-season performance. While the team has faced a rocky start, Tkachuk emphasized the passion and determination within the locker room to overcome challenges and improve.



“I think what we’ve accomplished created just that much more passion to, not just do it again, but, you know, for our standards to rise and the passion to, you know, achieve our childhood dreams and win this thing,” Tkachuk said, highlighting the mindset the team is building despite early setbacks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251105_BUS_521329_brady-senators-1024x576_2a3940a1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-521346" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brady Tkachuk (#7) of the Senators celebrates his goal against the Maple Leafs last season. Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Importance of showing players’ personalities</h2>



Tkachuk used the event to reflect on the team’s mindset and the importance of building something lasting. “Growing up I was always watching the road to the Winter Classic and seeing the behind-the-scenes stuff like that and thinking it was the coolest thing in the world,” he recalled, adding that projects like Faceoff allow players to show a more human side.


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“I think that’s important that, you know people don’t see but you know, show off, have an opportunity to showcase yourself and, you know, kind of almost feel like people and fans can be a part of it and get to know that side of things. I think that’s super cool opportunity,” Tkachuk said.


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The Senators will aim to carry that same passion and standard Tkachuk spoke about as they prepare to visit the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> on Thursday night, determined to steady their season before their leader returns.

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NHL News: Brady Tkachuk shares honest take on Senators' early-season performance - Bolavip US

Tkachuk shares honest take on Senators' early-season struggles

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Bruins</a> scored the first and last goal of the night during their matchup with the Ottawa Senators. The only problem was Marco Sturm and Charlie McAvoy’s team allowed 7 goals in between their two tallies. With the loss, the Spoked B has now conceded 7 goals in two of its last three games in the NHL season.



The Bruins are brewing a recipe for disaster, and against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senators</a>, they found out. Of course, things headed the only way they could’ve: south. An outright embarrassing performance by Boston, as it lost to an Atlantic Division opponent in lopsided fashion. Now, the Bruins are tied with the fourth-worst points total in the NHL standings.



After the game, Sturm addressed the media at Canadian Tire Centre with a harsh and straightforward message about his team’s performance. Ottawa blew Boston out of the water, and the Spoked B must get back on track before spiraling out of control in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season. 



“You either buy in or not,” Marco Sturm told NESN after the game. “That’s it right there. That’s the difference. If you look at the Senators today, they do it and we’re not. That’s the game.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251028_BUS_516817_marco-sturm-1-1024x576_dce3f999.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Marco Sturm attends a Red Sox game" class="wp-image-500703" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Marco Sturm at Fenway Park on June 11, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Caught up to them</h2>



The Bruins really tried their luck, and it didn’t work whatsoever. Coming into the game, the Sens boasted the seventh-best power play in the NHL, converting on 28.1% of their opportunities. Boston, on the other hand, had killed off 87.2% of its opponents’ man advantages. Still, against Ottawa, the Spoked B was outclassed, conceding goals on 80% of the Senators’ power plays (4 of 5).


 

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“Not serious enough right from the start, and that’s really unacceptable,” Boston coach Marco Sturm said after the game, via NHL.com. “We’re probably the worst penalized team in the league, so it finally caught up to us. You can blame the ref, whatever you want, but it’s on us if we’re going to do that and be in the box the whole time. It’s not going to work and not going to win hockey games.”



<h2>Numerical order</h2>



Boston did Ottawa quite a favor. The team in Canada’s capital now boasts the best power-play percentage (PP%) in the league, converting at a remarkable 35.1% rate on the man advantage. As for the Bruins, they’ve dropped to 16th in penalty killing. Still, there’s no time to dwell on it for too long. 



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Warning: slap shot incoming 🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IgniteTheRed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IgniteTheRed</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsOnPrimeCA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SportsOnPrimeCA</a> <a href="https://t.co/JeeXg38D9f">pic.twitter.com/JeeXg38D9f</a>— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) <a href="https://twitter.com/Senators/status/1982993568076579318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



Up next, Boston will host the New York Islanders, determined to bounce back. The Bruins have lost seven of their last eight outings, earning just two of a possible 16 points. Moreover, they’ve allowed the fourth-most goals per game in the NHL, with an average of 3.82. For reference, only one team—the New Jersey Devils—boasts a higher average of goals scored per game. That means when facing Boston, most opponents erupt offensively and produce well above their season average.

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NHL News: Marco Sturm delivers harsh message to Charlie McAvoy, Bruins after embarrassing Senators loss - Bolavip US

Sturm delivers harsh message to McAvoy, Bruins after embarrassing Senators loss

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Brady Tkachuk</a> is facing a challenge early in the 2025-26 season, sidelined with a torn ligament in his right thumb. The Ottawa Senators captain underwent surgery and is now focusing on recovery, all while staying engaged with his team’s preparations.



Despite the setback, Tkachuk remains committed to maintaining his edge. “All I want to do is be out there… it’s just a little bump in the road,” he said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/brady-tkachuk-thumb-injury-update-ottawa-senators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NHL.com</a>. The 26-year-old forward has resumed skating and anticipates handling a puck in “three or four weeks,” determined to return stronger than before.



Even off the ice, Tkachuk is contributing to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Senators</a>’ season. He’s actively attending meetings, reviewing game footage, and offering guidance to teammates during practices and intermissions. “I feel like it’s easy to kind of go to your own island and sulk a little bit, but for me… it’s good to be a part of the group and help out any way that we can,” he explained.



<h2>How is Tkachuk maintaining his impact while sidelined?</h2>



Tkachuk has embraced a leadership role from the sidelines, participating in morning reviews and mentoring younger teammates. He sees this period as an opportunity to grow not only as a player but as a leader for the Senators.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251023_BUS_514109_brady-senators-ottawa-1024x576_a2ae82e5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-514189" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Senators shots in the second period vs Predators on October 13, 2025. Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The forward also has his sights set on international competition, confirming that he plans to join the U.S. roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, underscoring his commitment to both national and club success.


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<h2>Tkachuk’s positive mindset</h2>



Even with Ottawa struggling at 2-4-1 and sitting sixth in the Atlantic Division, Tkachuk’s mindset remains positive. “It’s definitely a tough test mentally… it’s an opportunity to find different levels to me as a person and a player,” he said, projecting confidence that he will return ready to make an immediate impact.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68fa5a5590f494b407d2139f" data-title="How will Brady Tkachuk’s absence affect the Senators’ early-season performance?" data-options="4"></div>

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NHL News: Senators' Brady Tkachuk sends encouraging message while recovering from thumb surgery - Bolavip US

Senators' Tkachuk sends encouraging message while recovering from thumb surgery

There may not be a sibling duo in the NHL quite like Brady Tkachuk and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew Tkachuk</a>. Both are among the most electric players to watch in the league. However, fans will miss them both, as the Ottawa Senators’ captain is injured, joining his sidelined brother on the Florida Panthers.



“<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brady Tkachuk</a> is set to miss at least four weeks after suffering a hand injury, head coach Travis Green admitted after practice on Tuesday. Green added that surgery has not been ruled out,” as stated by Sportsnet.



Brady will miss at least a month due to the hand/wrist injury he sustained during a scuffle with the Nashville Predators. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ottawa</a> can’t believe how a seemingly harmless play led to a season-threatening setback for the Sens. Now, both Tkachuk brothers will be off the ice for the foreseeable future in the 2025-26 NHL season. Here, we take a look back at the last time both Brady and Matthew had to watch the action from home at the same time.



Though great players, the Tkachuk siblings aren’t immune to the intensity of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>’s 82-game season. Unfortunately, both brothers have their fair share of setbacks in their medical report. Thus, it isn’t surprising this won’t be the first time Brady and Matthew miss a handful of games at the same time. The last time that happened, however, wasn’t that long ago.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Brady Tkachuk has left the ice after an apparent hand/wrist injury <a href="https://t.co/8GVnQF6OWl">pic.twitter.com/8GVnQF6OWl</a>— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1977789448118038907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Back in April</h2>



Following the 4 Nations Final in February 2025, Matthew was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a>. He returned to NHL action on April 23, but in the weeks between those dates, Brady sustained an upper-body injury that sidelined him for 16 days, from April 1–17. 


 

 

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As a result, the two siblings were absent simultaneously for approximately two weeks during the past season. However, after the latest news out of Ottawa, the Tkachuks are expected to be sidelined for the longest stretch of their careers.



<h2>Estimated returns</h2>



Still recovering from his surgery in the offseason, Matthew is expected back on the ice for Florida in mid-to-late December. In the meantime, Florida hopes to stay afloat while battling an injury-bug. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251014_BUS_509046_brady-tkachuk-matthew-tkachuk-1-1024x576_dccb87de.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-509063" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dream come true: Matthew and Brady Tkachuk play together for Team USA</figcaption></figure>



As for the organization in Canada’s capital city, the Senators hope their captain will return in early November. That timeline, however, is subject to change, with surgery still on the table for Brady.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68ee9c9d370f2f9346100c1d" data-title="Accolades aside, who is the better player out of the Tkachuk family?" data-options="3"></div>

Brady Tkachuk injured: When was the last time both he and Matthew were simultaneously out long-term?

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Brady Tkachuk injured: When was the last time both he and Matthew were simultaneously out long-term? - Bolavip US

The Florida Panthers will need all hands on deck for a grueling 2025-26 NHL season. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew Tkachuk</a> set to miss a long stretch of the campaign, the organization has decided to roll without a former teammate of Brady Tkachuk on the Ottawa Senators.



After the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-news-panthers-reportedly-finalizing-long-term-extension-with-brad-marchands-teammate-ahead-of-season-opener" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers confirmed another long-term extension</a>, they felt set at the blueline. On that note, a defenseman on a professional tryout contract (PTO) has been relieved of his duties in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida</a>. 



Blueliner Ben Harpur hasn’t played in an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> game since April 6, 2023. At the time, the defenseman was with the New York Rangers—his third club in a four-year span. Now, the Panthers have shut the door on his dream to make the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reigning Stanley Cup champions</a>’ roster.



“Defenseman Ben Harpur has been released from his professional tryout (PTO),” the Panthers announced on their latest roster cuts, via NHL.com. Harpur, 30, is now a free agent in search for his next adventure. All signs indicate he’ll play in the American Hockey League (AHL), as he’s done for the most part in the last few years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251002_BUS_502267_ben-harpur-1024x576_b8343346.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-502295" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ben Harpur back during his time with the Ottawa Senators</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Ontario-native</h2>



Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Harpur was selected by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ottawa</a> in the 2013 NHL entry Draft. Harpur played one season alongside the youngest Tkachuk brother on the Senators during the 2018-19 campaign. Harpur had spent the prior three years in Ottawa, but <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brady</a> didn’t make his rookie debut until then. Harpur will miss the chance to play with both Tkachuk brothers.


 

 

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Now, the 30-year-old blueliner is off to his own luck, with no clear indications of where he might head next. Florida decided to release him, but the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning</a> franchise hasn’t made any further decision on his future. Unlike, Hunter Johannes, Trevor Carrick, and Jake Livingstone who were also released of their PTOs, but will report to the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL.



<h2>Follow the leader</h2>



While watching Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov go down with injuries is demoralizing for the Cats, Florida knows better than to dwell on it for too long. Instead, the Panthers are embracing the adversity. Moreover, everybody on the team wants to stay in town for a while. After Niko Mikkola signed the latest of Florida’s long-term deals, the blueliner admitted making a decision was easy.



“Saw all the boys signing here, so it was a no-brainer,” Niko Mikkola said, via Jameson Olive. “You look around and you know the guys. All the guys are great guys. I’ve been enjoying it since the first day I came to Florida. It’s way more fun when you play on a good team.”

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NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk's Panthers cut ties with former teammate of Brady Tkachuk on Senators - Bolavip US

Matthew Tkachuk's Panthers cut ties with former teammate of Brady Tkachuk on Senators

Though only a preseason matchup, tempers flared between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. So much that the NHL’s Department of Player Safety stepped in with fines for two teammates of Brady Tkachuk for their actions against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/patrik-laine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrik Laine</a>’s Habs.



The Senators took a rough beating against Laine and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/montreal-canadiens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadiens</a> at Videotron Centre in Quebec City. As the score got out of hand with a 5-0 win for the Habs, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tkachuk</a>-less Sens retaliated. However, they went too far, and the NHL is now assessing harsh fines for two players in Ottawa.



“<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ottawa</a>’s Hayden Hodgson has been fined $2,018.23, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for boarding Montreal’s Alex Newhook,” @NHLPlayerSafety announced through X, formerly Twitter. “Ottawa’s Nick Cousins has been fined $2,148.44, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for slashing Montreal’s Ivan Demidov.”



<h2>Repeat offenders</h2>



For Laine and the Habs, the shenanigans in display by Cousins and Hodgson weren’t too surprising. After all, the Senators duo has accustomed fans in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> to some rowdy behavior. Perhaps, there’s some bad-blood between Montreal and Cousins, as the organization traded him in February 2020, shortly after he had signed with the Habs in July 2019.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is really disappointing. Nick Cousins slashed Ivan Demidov after missing the boarding attempt. Hopefully Demidov is ok. And don’t get me started on Sebrango. <a href="https://t.co/OSgvbgfDWp">pic.twitter.com/OSgvbgfDWp</a>— Eric Macramalla (@EricMacramalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricMacramalla/status/1973358797554065833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



Either way, his slash on Canadiens’ Calder Trophy favorite Ivan Demidov boiled the blood of everybody in the City of Saints. On that note, head coach Martin St. Louis dropped a bold statement condemning the incident.


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“There’s no need for that,” St. Louis stated after the game, via TSN. “It’s an exhibition game, both teams are trying to get ready for a long season. I don’t think there’s any need for that in the game.”



<h2>Watch out</h2>



Cousins’ reputation in the NHL is often under the scope. The Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers in 2024 has had his fair share of controversial plays throughout his 11-year career. 



The slash on Demidov will surely be remembered when the Habs and Sens meet again for the preseason finale on October 4. If Cousins is in the lineup, he’ll almost certainly be shadowed around the ice by Laine’s Canadiens.

The last triumph: Canada’s most recent Stanley Cup victory

NHL does justice with Patrik Laine's Canadiens by handing Brady Tkachuk's Senators multiple punishments - Bolavip US

NHL does justice with Laine's Canadiens by handing Tkachuk's Senators multiple punishments

The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for the 2025–26 NHL season, and goaltender Linus Ullmark—<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Brady Tkachuk</a>’s teammate—is already making waves before the puck even drops. 



Speaking at the NHL Players’ Tour in Las Vegas, Ullmark didn’t hold back, voicing strong opinions on the league’s overtime structure and the need for clearer rules on goalie interference. His candid observations offered a glimpse into how top netminders view the game—and how they want it to evolve.



Ullmark, who helped Ottawa reach the playoffs in his first season with the club, stressed the importance of fairness for goalies in high-stakes scenarios. “From the perspective of a goaltender, you can play the best game of your life and have a shutout—then let in three shootout goals, and you feel like the worst goalie ever,” he said. The 30-year-old Swedish netminder’s comments reflect frustration shared by many in the league, highlighting the fine line between individual performance and team results.



Beyond statistics and wins, Ullmark’s media presence showcased his personality off the ice. Known for his openness, he discussed not just gameplay but also the role communication plays in maintaining locker room chemistry. “I try to stay open. Some days I’m grumpier or sad—we all have those days. If I can show more emotions, hopefully people feel more safe and secure talking to me,” Ullmark explained.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250909_BUS_488696_Linus-Ullmark-1024x576_176b17a2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-488742" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Senators’ Ullmark urges NHL to rethink key rules. &nbsp;(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Should the NHL extend overtime and redefine goalie interference?</h2>



Ullmark believes the current 3-on-3 overtime system and frequent shootouts don’t always reward strong play. “We should add five more minutes of overtime like at the 4 Nations. Because it comes down more to play,” he said, suggesting that extended extra time would better determine the outcome on the ice rather than leaving it to a skills contest.


 


He also weighed in on the controversial goalie interference calls, calling for a dedicated video official. “I would add a specific goal watcher/referee in Toronto who has the perspective of goaltenders to really put it down in black and white what is goaltender interference and what is not,” Ullmark explained. The message is clear: consistency and fairness are paramount.



<h2>Preparing for a competitive 2025-26 campaign</h2>



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Senators</a> enter their second season with Ullmark between the pipes, fans can expect a goalie who is both outspoken and elite in skill. The team returns most of its core, but adjustments and chemistry-building with new players will be critical. 


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Ullmark’s advocacy for changes in overtime and interference rules may not affect this season immediately, but his voice emphasizes the ongoing evolution of hockey and the importance of protecting those tasked with guarding the net.


 

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Brady Tkachuk’s Senators goalie urges NHL to rethink overtime format and clarify interference rules

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Brady Tkachuk's Senators goalie urges NHL to rethink overtime format and clarify interference rules - Bolavip US

Tkachuk's Senators goalie urges NHL to rethink overtime format and clarify interference rules

Rivalries in the NHL extend far longer than direct matchups between clubs. Thus, it’s no surprise the Ottawa Senators plan to antagonize <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews">Auston Matthews</a> and the Toronto Maple Leafs next season. However, what did come as a surprise was the fact it will take place during a home game against Brad Marchand’s Florida Panthers.



The Battle of Ontario has given fans across the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> countless memorable moments. The tension whenever the Leafs and Sens collide is impossible to miss, and sparks tend to fly. In recent years one particular moment has embedded itself in pop culture around the league. That is Ridly Greig’s slap shot on an empty net, which led to a violent reaction from Matthews’ star teammate Morgan Reilly.



Now, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Senators</a> will give fans attending the January 10 game against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Marchand</a> and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers a bobblehead commemorating that iconic moment. 



Why the Senators decided not to give the bobbleheads away during a game against the Leafs, and instead do it when the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> will be in town, remains a mystery. Needless to say, fans won’t complain—any time is as good as any to remember that goal and rub salts in Toronto’s wound.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Senators?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Senators</a> confirmed their January 10 bobblehead giveaway is the Ridly Greig empty net slap shot. Iconic 🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/oZv416dt9u">pic.twitter.com/oZv416dt9u</a>— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) <a href="https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1964114936591794408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>History behind the goal</h2>



On February 10, 2024, the Senators defeated the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Maple Leafs</a> by a score of 5-3 at Canadian Tire Centre. However, the spotlight centered aroud Greig, who escaped on a breakaway towards Toronto’s empty net. In that time and place, most players would swiftly slide the puck towards the unmanned goal. 


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All goals count as one, but empty-netters don’t carry the same weight for most players. Still, in a tight rivalry game that isn’t always the case. With all the net to his disposal, Greig unleashed an absolute heat-seeker missile. Reilly took exception and all pandemonium broke loose on the ice. 



As it usually occurs with anything Toronto related, much was talked about the reaction from the defenseman. Still, years have passed and the moment lives on. For thousands of fans, it will be immortalized with a bobblehead commemorating it.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Ridly Greig with a clapper into the empty net and Morgan Rielly takes exception 😳 <a href="https://t.co/yhf8xrTn5t">pic.twitter.com/yhf8xrTn5t</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1756508978580684871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Battle of Ontario dates</h2>



As the 2025-26 NHL season looms closer, the thirst for revenge only grows more insatiable for the Senators. Losing to Matthews and Toronto in the Stanley Cup Playoffs still doesn’t feel right to Ottawa, and it’s now determined to right its wrongs.



The two Atlantic division rivals will see each others’ faces four times in the 2025-26 campaign. The upcoming ‘Battle of Ontario’ editions will take place on:



<ul><li>December 27: Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs</li><li>February 28: Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs</li><li>March 21: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators</li><li>April 15: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators</li></ul>


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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Ottawa Senators</a> captain, Brady Tkachuk, didn’t hold back when discussing the challenges of his 2024 season. The 25-year-old winger admitted that his aggressive style often left him drained, especially while managing injuries that limited his late-season effectiveness. Fans and analysts alike are curious whether the Senators can build on last year’s playoff return.



Tkachuk’s reflection comes at a pivotal time for the team. Ottawa broke an eight-year playoff drought last spring but fell in the first round to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>. For a squad hungry to compete at the highest level, the message from their captain is clear: merely qualifying is no longer enough.



During a recent media session ahead of training camp, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Tkachuk</a> emphasized how preparation and recovery were central to his offseason, noting the steps he’s taken to ensure durability in what promises to be a grueling 2025 campaign. “I feel the best I’ve ever felt coming into a season,” he said, following the Senators media event.



<h2>Can Tkachuk’s physical edge lead Ottawa beyond the first round?</h2>



Tkachuk scored 29 goals and 55 points in 72 games last season while battling upper-body and hip issues. Reflecting on the toll of his playing style, he admitted, “Playing with physicality, it takes a lot out of you… I had to simplify and find a way, but with the preparation that I know I took this year, I’m hoping… I’m going to be feeling a lot better in the majority of the games.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250905_BUS_485976_brady-senators-1024x576_377a19ee.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-486024" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates with the puck. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



With an offseason dedicated to conditioning, recovery, and training with intensity, Tkachuk is betting on his improved health to sustain performance. His presence as Ottawa’s most physical forward sets the tone for a team determined to be a serious contender in the Atlantic Division, which remains highly competitive with multiple returning playoff teams.


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<h2>Tkachuk eyes more than playoff appearances</h2>



The captain’s vision extends beyond merely qualifying for the postseason. “Playoffs are great, but it’s not about just getting in anymore. We want more,” Tkachuk stated. Balancing family life with rigorous training and attending Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp, Tkachuk remains focused on leading the Senators before the Winter Games.


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As training camp begins, all eyes will be on Tkachuk to see if he can sustain his physical edge, elevate the Senators’ performance, and guide a team no longer content with just playoff appearances.

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The Florida Panthers’ historic <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back Stanley Cup</a> championships came at a cost few could ignore. Matthew Tkachuk fought through grueling injuries to secure his team’s second title, leaving many to wonder what toll the battles had taken. When news broke that he would undergo surgery after the season, concerns quickly shifted to the bigger stage—the 2026 Winter Olympics.



By the time the champagne dried, the reality was clear. Tkachuk’s postseason heroics masked a torn adductor and a sports hernia, both of which demanded surgical repair. His absence for the opening stretch of the 2025–26 campaign was inevitable, sparking questions about his recovery timeline and ability to return at full strength.



But where speculation lingers, family confidence rises. Brady Tkachuk, captain of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ottawa-senators">Ottawa Senators</a>, offered a reassuring update on his brother’s status, insisting the recovery has been steady and optimism is well-founded.



<h2>How serious were Matthew Tkachuk’s injuries?</h2>



The physical strain dated back to February’s Four Nations Face-Off tournament. Despite the severity, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Matthew </a>returned for the postseason, pushing through pain as the Panthers secured their second consecutive Cup. His willpower impressed teammates, but the cost was evident once surgery followed.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250829_BUS_481404_Tkachuk-2-1024x576_34a8b9ff.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-481407" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers poses with brother Brady and the Stanley Cup. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Even so, his 57 points in 52 regular-season games underscored the level he maintained before injury, highlighting just how critical his presence remains to Florida’s ambitions.


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<h2>What does Brady Tkachuk say about his brother’s recovery?</h2>



Speaking during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/team-usa">Team USA</a> activities, Brady dismissed the sense of panic surrounding Matthew’s condition. “He’s doing great. He’s feeling good,” Brady said on Wednesday, according to ESPN. “I’ve been talking to him basically every day … he’s had the most FOMO that I’ve ever seen him have.”



The younger Tkachuk added his belief that the surgery could actually be a blessing in disguise. “I know with his preparation and his work ethic that he’ll probably be in the best shape he’s ever been in after this surgery.”



<h2>Will Matthew Tkachuk be ready for the Olympics?</h2>



The defining question remains his availability for the 2026 Games. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brady-tkachuk">Brady</a>’s response left little doubt. “I think it’s a full expectation of him not just to play, but be at his best,” he said. That vote of confidence reflects both brothers’ reputations for resilience and refusal to let adversity dictate their careers.



<h2>How did the Four Nations Face-Off shape the Tkachuks’ season?</h2>



The February tournament left its mark, not only because of Matthew’s injuries but also for the brothers’ trademark intensity. Their joint fights against Canada in the opening seconds of a key matchup set a tone few will forget. Team USA went on to defeat Canada 3–1 in that game before falling short in the final.


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Looking ahead, Florida begins the 2025–26 season without its star forward, but the long-term picture remains hopeful. If Matthew Tkachuk meets the recovery expectations his brother outlined, both the Panthers and Team USA could reap the benefits of a rested, reenergized, and determined competitor.

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