The Ottawa Senators have extended their winning streak to five games following a narrow 3-2 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. Leading the charge was the team's captain, Brady Tkachuk, who not only scored the game-winning goal but did so straight after taking a brutal hit to the face, losing a tooth and requiring nine stitches.
Just 55 seconds after the start of the overtime period, Tkachuk made his shot count, netting his tenth career overtime winner. The play unfolded after Calgary faltered on their own two-on-one chance. Ottawa’s goaltender, Linus Ullmark, who was stellar throughout the night with 29 saves, quickly launched the puck up the ice to Tim Stutzle, igniting the Senators' counter-attack. Stutzle took the initial shot, which was saved by Flames' goaltender Dan Vladar, allowing Tkachuk to swoop in and knock the rebound home effortlessly.
"I don’t feel too good. Don’t feel too good-looking either, right now. Thank God we got the Christmas pictures done already," Tkachuk humorously remarked during his post-game interview with TSN, admitting the toll the game had taken on him. Indeed, his facial injury might have made him look like, as one commentator put it, "Chunk from the Goonies" rather than the handsome athlete he usually is, but there is no denying his determination. That bravado is precisely why Tkachuk is not only the captain but such a revered player within the league.
The incident occurred midway through the second period when Mikael Backlund's stick accidentally caught Tkachuk squarely in the face. While it would force many players to reconsider returning to the game, Tkachuk exhibited true grit by returning to the ice after receiving medical attention. He later reflected, “Hopefully it’s a lesson learned for everybody to wear their mouthguard.” His injuries were clearly visible, with one side of his lip swollen and stitches bearing testimony to the night’s events. Yet, he returned to contribute decisively to his team's success.
Tonight marked yet another display of Tkachuk's character, following the trends recently observed around the league where players are bravely returning from painful situations. Just earlier this week, Zach Hyman of the Edmonton Oilers made headlines after suffering facial injuries yet continued to play. Tkachuk’s resilience has now placed him among the NHL players who take injuries as mere bumps on their road to victory.
“Not the best-looking guy out there – I’m sure he’d tell you differently,” his teammate, Nick Cousins, jokingly commented on Tkachuk’s appearance after the game. “It just shows the character for him to come back. He’s been clutch for us in OT here early on in the season.” Such words underline the deep respect and admiration Tkachuk garners from his teammates, highlighting his influence and leadership on the team.
With this latest win, the Senators are firmly establishing their playoff viability as they prepare for the next leg of their road trip. Their victory over the Flames not only secured their place but also put them just two points behind the first wild card spot, currently held by the Boston Bruins, and with two games still to be played. Despite the test of endurance, the Senators were able to revel in their shared accomplishments.
The Senators have now entered the challenging part of their schedule, facing nine consecutive road games, with their next clashes being against tough opponents, the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers. Fans will be eager to see if Tkachuk will take the ice after his injury. There is speculation about how much of his holiday break will be spent at the dentist's office as he recuperates.
His enduring spirit culminated with Tkachuk taking time to celebrate with fans after the game, tossing his stick to one lucky child perched by the glass, fully absorbing the moment of victory, even with his battered visage. “They did a great job and I’m very thankful for the doctors,” he said, displaying gratitude alongside his humor.
Brady Tkachuk’s performance against Calgary not only exemplified his skills on the ice but also illustrated the heart and determination intrinsic to professional hockey. While he might not be gracing the front cover of magazines for his looks with his current injuries, his warrior mentality surely makes him front-page news for his competitive courage and leadership.
This blend of skill and toughness is precisely what fans cherish about Tkachuk. His team's success this season stands as evidence of how raw talent combined with unwavering resilience can yield thrilling hockey moments. The Senators hope to continue this energized momentum through the season, knowing their captain will be leading the charge, stitches, and all.