Brady Tkachuk Makes Bold 4 Nations Cup Revelation Ahead of Crucial Playoff Stretch
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk is feeling extra motivated as the team fights for a playoff spot, and has a unique way of tackling the rest of the season.
Though he doesn't get as much credit as he probably should, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk isn't afraid of getting into the dirty areas, playing tough, and living up to his namesake, much like his brother and father; the Tkachuk lineage runs strong.
Part of a instantly memorable trio of fights during the 4 Nations Face-Off in the first game against Canada, it sparked a swath of controversy, patriotism, and a newfound respect for both teams, regardless of the circumstances.
The atmosphere surrounding not only that game, but the subsequent Finals against Canada was out of this world, and felt more like an Olympic Gold Medal tilt than a simple international exhibition for a week.
Canada emerged victorious, leaving Tkachuk the runner-up, however he believes he can use that same mentality during the tournament, and translate it into motivation and ultimately, success for the Senators:
Well, I'm not going to lie to you. Ever since Four Nations, I've been addicted to those big game feelings.
Those are the biggest games that I've ever played in and maybe I want to play that way in playoffs. You can't look too far ahead. It's all about treating every game as a game seven and doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
Those are the biggest games that I've ever played in and maybe I want to play that way in playoffs. You can't look too far ahead. It's all about treating every game as a game seven and doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
Brady Tkachuk's New Mentality Key To Ottawa's Playoff Run
Having the urgency each game to play like it's going to be your last go round this season is exactly the mindset every single playoff team needs to have.
No one can get complacent and take things for granted, and if there's an advantage to be taken; either physically or mentally, it needs to be utilized.
Ottawa is in a good spot right now, four points ahead of the Montreal Canadiens and five clear of the New York Rangers.
A hot streak at the right time coupled with some losses from Tampa Bay and Toronto could lead them to jump the standings and get in an even better position.
Tkachuk is doing his best, registering 54 points in 67 games (28G, 26A) while adding 114 PIM and a minus-1 rating. His offensive numbers are a bit down this season, but with a new outlook on the season; he could easily pick things up.
The Senators are riding a very solid record over their last 11 games, going 8-2-1 and outscoring opponents 41-35 over that span.
The team will get a chance to build off their latest win when they take on the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. Expect nothing less than a Game Seven atmosphere, at least in the mind of one Brady Tkachuk.
| POLL | ||
MARS 23 | 429 ANSWERS Brady Tkachuk Makes Bold 4 Nations Cup Revelation Ahead of Crucial Playoff Stretch Do you think Brady Tkachuk's new strategy to help motivate Ottawa will pay off in the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 221 | 51.5 % |
| No | 208 | 48.5 % |
| List of polls | ||