Tkachuk’s teammates hope rookie forward back in action soon
Team also refutes report youngster injured his knee Monday, Bruce Garrioch writes.
This was a tough one to take for Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators. He’s only 19 years old and is only in his first season in NHL, but don’t underestimate for a second the contribution the fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft made in the four games he has suited up for the Senators. Sidelined for a month with a torn ligament in his left leg, Tkachuk was pictured at the club’s Halloween party in Westboro Wednesday night wearing a walking boot. Coach Guy Boucher made it clear to reporters Thursday a report indicating Tkachuk had injured his knee was false. Boucher said the torn ligament is in another part of his leg and the timetable won’t change because there’s no surgery required. Tkachuk will be missed. “Immediate impact and that’s what it is with those high-calibre guys, (they make) an immediate impact,” Boucher said Thursday. “They come in and you have them in the important situations and the crucial situations. “I thought his power-play (unit) was doing terrific. His fiveon-five, it’s not just a presence in front of the net, it’s what he does with the presence. Going (to the net) is one thing, but being there and making a difference with the puck and without the puck, I thought he was outstanding at that. “It’s his office, really. That’s big for us. I’ll be honest with you, losing him in that regard, regardless of his age and just what he’s done up to now, that was a big part of the offence. We’ve got to find a way as a group to compensate for that and have guys that will do that job.” With three goals and three assists in four games, Tkachuk has made his presence felt. Mark Stone, an alternate captain, feels for Tkachuk because he was playing with lots of confidence and wasn’t showing any signs of having any growing pains. “He’s been playing so well for us, so it’s tough,” Stone said. “At the same time, a guy that young, I think he’ll be back pretty quick.” Tkachuk suffered the injury in the first period against the Stars, but he finished the game and scored the winning goal. “Good adrenalin and some toughness,” Stone said. “He’s a battler, a competitor and he does anything he can to help this team win. Fortunately, he did stay in the game and get the winner, but it was unfortunate to hear the next day that he’s going to be out for a month.” Stone said an injury for a young player isn’t easy. “I went through a lot of injuries my first year playing in Binghamton and it’s tough, especially when you break into the league,” Stone said. “He’s been good about it. He’s got some people in place to help him through this — his dad (Keith), his brother (Matthew) and his representatives. “They’re doing a good job helping him through this and (making sure he) stays patient. I think he’ll be fine and ready to go in November.”
THE LAST WORDS
Goalie Craig Anderson, who had a 36-save performance in the 4-1 victory over Dallas on Monday and 34 stops versus L.A. on Oct. 13, will make his fourth straight start in the Senators net against the Habs. Boucher has been impressed with the way Anderson has performed this season. “Great work and not just in games,” Boucher said. “For me, nothing just shows up. His consistency comes from his attitude and his work ethic and his discipline since Day 1. The minute he stepped on the ice for a practice, his work ethic was terrific, attitude was great and nothing seems to faze him. He’s totally focused. He’s putting all the ingredients every day in his game and his practices and he’s getting the result that comes with it.” You have to think backup Mike Condon’s next start will be on the road ... Centre Matt Duchene and his wife Ashley Groissant posted pictures of themselves from the Halloween party dressed in costume and wrote on his Instagram account: “I guess this is how we’re announcing it ... Happy (early) Halloween from the three of us.” Ashley is expecting the couple’s first child in January ... Defenceman Mark Borowiecki had his dog Remi (short for Remington) at the rink. “I try to bring him a few times a year. I pick my spots. He’ll be at the skills competition because that’s an annual thing for him to come out on the ice with us. I thought today was a good day, though,” Borowiecki said ... Alex Formenton, who has missed two games with a concussion and won’t play Saturday, was on the ice in a noncontact jersey. He left early and Boucher noted “that was always the plan.” The hope is he’ll play next week along with defenceman Cody Ceci ... Defenceman Christian Jaros was a late scratch for Belleville’s home opener Wednesday against the Binghamton Devils because of the flu. GM Pierre Dorion and assistant Peter McTavish were both on hand for the club’s 5-2 victory. Prospect Drake Batherson had three assists in the win.