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OTTAWA – After a prolonged wait of eight years, the Ottawa Senators have successfully clinched a spot in the NHL playoffs.
The journey to this pivotal moment has been both challenging and rewarding for the Senators.
For team captain Brady Tkachuk and defenseman Thomas Chabot, who have each played 512 games in their careers, this will be their first experience in the postseason.
“This journey has really shaped us as a team and as individuals. We’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, and emerging from those tough times feels like we’ve all grown and evolved,” Tkachuk stated. “We’ve become our best selves.”
Reflecting on his professional career, Tkachuk admitted he never envisioned it would take seven years to reach the playoffs.
Having witnessed firsthand the demands of playoff hockey, Tkachuk was present last spring when his brother Matthew lifted the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers after a hard-fought victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
“I’m grateful to have my brother as a mentor and supporter, and I hope to achieve similar success,” Tkachuk shared.
The playoffs will mark a significant milestone for several Senators players, including Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, and Jake Sanderson. Batherson expressed his excitement, noting that he hasn’t even attended a live playoff game before.
“The atmosphere and intensity in the playoffs are unique. Every little play counts, and while it’s our first time, we’ll bring a mix of nervous energy and confidence as a group,” Batherson said. “I might be nervous during my first shift, but I expect to settle in quickly.”
This year’s Senators squad has displayed flashes of potential over the years, but consistency has often eluded them. Under the leadership of new head coach Travis Green, they have found renewed confidence, maturity, and, perhaps most critically, consistency.
“We’ve encountered our share of challenges, but overcoming them has been integral to our growth and maturity,” Pinto noted. “Our improved consistency this season has been a mark of our progress.”
Stutzle, now recognized as one of the league’s top playmakers, underscored the importance of the experiences gained throughout the season.
“Our goal was simply to make it to the playoffs, and I believe that anything can happen in this phase,” Stutzle remarked. “We’re confident in our abilities, and despite many of us not having playoff experience, we’re committed to giving our all on the ice.”
The development of the young core has been bolstered by offseason acquisitions made by general manager Stave Staios, who brought in seasoned players like David Perron, Nick Cousins, and Nick Jensen. These veterans are excited to witness how their younger teammates handle the playoff atmosphere.
“The main advice is to enjoy the moment and let them create their own experiences,” stated Perron, who won the Stanley Cup in 2019. “There are a few of us older players ready to guide them through the emotional ups and downs, but ultimately, it’s still hockey at the end of the day.”
“It’s been a long journey to get here,” Pinto added.
Source
globalnews.ca