While Jesperi Kotkaniemi remains on an 11-game point streak, Brady Tkachuk continues to fight to help the Ottawa Senators climb up the standings.
The “Sens” captain reminded us in his own way that his club should not be considered defeated, even if the road ahead remains winding. In a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, the fourth pick in the 2018 National Hockey League draft scored the second hat trick of his career, his first since December 2021. He had reached the pin six times in his last five years He reached the mark of 25 goals this season.
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“You always dream about that as a child. “It's very special, but I couldn't have done it without all these good players trying to find gaps for others,” No. 7 commented to NHL.com, referring to his hat trick of the night. I was happier with the end result and the way we fought until the end.”
The outstanding performance by the brother of Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk coincides with the comeback of the Senators, who have won four games in a row. In the Eastern Conference, the team from Ottawa is in second-to-last place with 46 points, 14 out of a playoff spot.
“I think we are playing with a lot more confidence,” said Ridly Greig. In my opinion we are not that fragile. It’s about sticking together and focusing on what works for us.”
Broken down
Meanwhile, the player who was selected by the Montreal Canadiens third overall in the 2018 auction is in neutral. Kotkaniemi, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, continued his losing streak on Tuesday with a 4-2 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Finn has just nine goals and as many assists for 18 points in 52 games in 2023-2024 and a differential of -11.
Additionally, “KK” moved the ropes for the last time on December 19th; He has therefore not scored in his last 20 duels. Even if he turns around his team's fourth line, it's a poor excuse for a hockey player who was so hastily selected in the draft. Since his debut on the circuit, he has accumulated 152 points in 371 games. For his part, Tkachuk has accumulated 319 points in 408 games.