OTTAWA | Brady Tkachuk was part of the first group of Senators to hit the ice at the Canadian Tire Center on Thursday. As he has done since being named team captain, he is leading by example.
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That’s exactly what his head coach, DJ Smith, wanted from him and the other players. Tkachuk led his group by participating intensively in the exercises. He ran hard like on the eve of the playoffs.
Although it was his first official practice session of the season, he expressed displeasure after a missed pass or shot. The word f… has been heard a few times.
Tkachuk proved he still had his shot on goal.
During a three-way run with Josh Norris and Drake Batherson, he defeated Quebec goaltender Antoine Bibeau with a wrist shot into the top corner. A beautiful goal.
A successful trio
We often talk about his character and robust game, but forget that he has excellent hands. He didn’t score 30 goals by accident last season.
“It was fun getting back on the ice with my teammates,” Tkachuk said during a press crowd after his two practice sessions. During the camp I want to focus on improving every day. »
He was glad to have Norris and Batherson by his side.
“It’s easy to play with them. Our chemistry is still there. It’s easy to find at the ice rink. I enjoyed playing games and scoring a few goals with them. »
Create a winning culture
Rebuilding in Ottawa is complete. With the acquisitions of the last few months, all hopes are justified. General Managers Pierre Dorion and Smith want to take their education to the next level.
While Dorion spoke of the goal of playing meaningful games by the end of the year, the head coach wants to establish a winning culture in the federal capital after several dry spells.
A message that has not fallen on deaf ears.
“Winning culture is about pushing yourself and helping your teammates push their limits,” Tkachuk said. today [jeudi]we had a look at it during a 1v1 practice.
“We saw players who didn’t hesitate to play physically to get the puck. They wanted to push their teammates to the next level. »
Learn from Giroux
Additionally, his leadership will be aided by Quebec native Thomas Chabot and veteran Claude Giroux, who will be his assistants. This cannot be overlooked when a team has important goals.
“We know Claude for his accomplishments throughout his career. He was captain for several years [avec les Flyers de Philadelphie]. I am fortunate to be captain from day one and have the opportunity to learn from his experience so far.
“In the dressing room, I expect him to say the right things at the right time. I am convinced that he will point our team in the right direction. »
A slightly different start to the camp
This time last year, Tkachuk was at home. He could not agree on a new contract with the senators.
He had missed a large chunk of training camp before agreeing to a seven-year, $57.5 million deal.
This time he started the campaign at the same time as his teammates. In his opinion, his coach’s approach to the camp is no different from last season.
“It’s pretty similar to last year,” Tkachuk said. We have to work hard to be ready for the games as soon as possible. »
In the notebook…
Alex Formenton is the only notable absentee in the senators’ camp. The unrestricted free agent is still looking for a new contract. With the new additions to his team, his balance of power isn’t very good. The General Manager Pierre Dorion confirmed talks with the 23-year-old winger’s clan are continuing. However, not much has happened in the last few days. Ottawa has $5.6 million margin to reach an agreement with Formenton.
Speaking of Dorion, he used the first drills to get into the stands and greet members of the media. He spoke to some of them about baseball, including the home runAaron Richter. The general manager was in good spirits and can’t wait for the regular season to start.
The Senators players took to the ice and the intensity was on. The head coach DJ Smith wanted a commitment from his men from the start and he got it. “The boys are in good physical condition,” said Smith. We did what we wanted. Since they’ve been skating for several weeks, it was easier for them to push the machine,” he said.
The senators listen to their players. Not only did they make some changes to the dressing room, but they also hired a chef for post-game meals. They want their athletes to eat well so they can maintain their energy levels even in a very busy schedule.