Brady Tkachuk ready to lead Ottawa Senators into Battle of Ontario

Ottawa Senators’ Brady Tkachuk reacts after scoring a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers. AP PHOTOArticle content

Brady Tkachuk will finally get to satisfy a seven-year itch.

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The Ottawa Senators captain started the club’s 7-5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the regular-season finale on Thursday night, but don’t be concerned that he didn’t finish.

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Tkachuk, who returned after missing eight games with an upper-body injury he suffered on March 30, confirmed he will be ready for Game 1 of the first playoff Battle of Ontario in 21 years against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night at Scotiabank Arena.

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He started his National Hockey League career with the Senators in 2018-19, and Tkachuk will finally get his first taste of playoff action.

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“Definitely, not seven years,” Tkachuk said when asked how long he thought he’d have to wait to suit up in the post-season. “Everything happens for a reason, and it just sets the stage that much better.

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“It was seven long years, but it feels good getting into it. Now, for us, to check the box and get to the playoffs is great and awesome. But there is more that we want to accomplish.”

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The waiting has been the hardest part for Tkachuk.

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Through all the ups and downs, twists and turns, along with the comings and goings of several teammates, the Senators have been steadfast in keeping the core together.

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“It has just moulded us into who we are,” Tkachuk said. “As individuals, there have been plenty of adversities and tough times. To come out of that, I feel like we’re all new people and our best selves.

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“Looking back, I’m happy that everything’s happened because everything happens for a reason. It sets up this moment, and this stage, I’m able to share it with all the teammates who have gone through that struggle and tough times. It’s going to be a special experience.

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“I’m looking forward to going into Game 1 with this group. It’s something we’ve dreamt of and we’re all really excited for.”

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When Game 1 begins, it will be a seminal moment for the likes of Thomas Chabot, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Jake Sanderson, Shane Pinto and Tkachuk, who have had to deal with the trials along the way.

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The Senators aren’t favoured to win this series. The Leafs won the Atlantic Division and have home-ice advantage. Ottawa swept the season series 3-0 and outscored Toronto 9-3, but those numbers are meaningless.

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Owner Michael Andlauer, Steve Staios, the club’s president of hockey operations and general manager, along with head coach Travis Green, have all stated in the last few days that the Senators are the underdogs.