Brady Tkachuk Returns, Sets Sights on Playoff Debut in Ottawa-Toronto Series

The Ottawa Senators won’t have to wait any longer for their playoff debut. Despite a scare in Thursday’s regular-season finale, captain Brady Tkachuk confirmed he’ll be back in action as the Senators kick off their first postseason in eight years against the Toronto Maple Leafs this Sunday.

“I’m ready to go” – Tkachuk Derails Concerns Over Stick-To-Face Incident

Tkachuk, who sat out the third period of the Senators’ 7-5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, reassured fans that his departure was purely precautionary. “Yeah, no issues,” he declared post-game, sécheresse his return for the playoff opener.

“I felt good, but we wanted to be smart about it.”
– Brady Tkachuk

Ottawa Secures Wild Card Spot, Tkachuk Leads in Goals

The Senators (45-30-7), clinched the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, making them the seventh seed. Tkachuk, who leads the team with 29 goals and ranks fourth with 55 points, didn’t play his last game until March 30. He was eager to return for Thursday’s game to “get some touches” before the playoffs.

• Tkachuk missed eight games due to an upper-body injury.
• The Senators were 5-2-1 without their captain down the stretch.

Tkachuk: A “Big Factor” for the Senators

Teammate Tim Stutzle praised Tkachuk’s leadership and impact, “He always gives you 100 per cent… He’s going to be a big factor for us again.”

Playoff Debut for Tkachuk

Sunday’s game against Toronto will mark the playoff debut for the 25-year-old. “It was seven long years [waiting for the playoffs], but you know, it feels good getting into it,” Tkachuk shared.