On Tkachuk\u2019s end, he was a goal away from a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, while Ullmark stopped 21 of 22 shots, including a massive, monumental save that turned the game.<\/p>\n
In the first period, Tkachuk\u2019s heavyweight fight with Logan Stanley got the Senators engaged \u2014\u00a0even if Tkachuk isn’t supposed to touch a Stanley until the playoffs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, not surprising, he’s been stepping up lately,\u201d Senators head coach Travis Green said. \u201cI thought he was emotionally invested.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Later, Tkachuk made an unreal dish to Dylan Cozens for a game-shifting, equalizing goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a big response after they went up 1-0. Getting that tying goal was big,\u201d said Green.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ullmark made a ludicrous game-changing save, charging out from the net to confront an oncoming Bowen Byram in the dying seconds of the second period.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that chance at the very end in the second period won us the game. He’s stood on his head all night,\u201d said Tkachuk.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Ullmark and Tkachuk excel, so too does their team. But lately, the two of them have become known as much for chaos and drama as for performance on the ice.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with Ullmark.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Swede battled mental-health struggles that forced him to take leave for several weeks earlier in the season. Then, last week, the team said that he was unable to play in a crucial game against Tampa Bay due to fatigue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t have to talk about any of that,\u201d Green said. \u201cHe needed rest and that\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ullmark echoed his coach in his first remarks to the media since the incident, which came after Thursday\u2019s game. \u201cNo. We’re going to talk about that tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
When he returned to play Tuesday, Ullmark gave up a goal eight seconds in and five goals overall in the first period against the Panthers only to be pulled. It wasn\u2019t pretty.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Green was defiant when asked about it later: \u201c(Ullmark) is our guy. Last game, I pulled him, but I pulled him more because the team was so s—–. Not because of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want him to play every night. He’s our No. 1 goalie. He’s been playing well since he came back (from mental-health leave). But, in saying that, everyone in the room understands that it’s been a bit of a rough year for him off the ice, on the ice and, I think, since he’s come back from his leave.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked about the “outside noise,\u201d Ullmark said, \u201cWe’re used to it, nothing new.”<\/p>\n
The docuseries level of drama was revved up when Tkachuk\u2019s father, Keith, an NHL veteran, made comments on the\u00a0Wingmen\u00a0podcast Brady co-hosts with brother Matthew, saying, “my pinky hurts. I\u2019m out for 6-8.” Keith seemed to mock Ullmark.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c’I just had a bad sleep, so I can’t play today.’ Oh, my God, disgusting,\u201d he said. \u201cCan’t play back-to-back, rest management.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Brady Tkachuk denied that his father was talking about the Senators goalie: “I don’t know how that got twisted and (I) have to talk about it now, but I thought it was clear as day. He’s talking about the Florida Panthers.<\/p>\n
“All those things didn’t come out of my mouth. And, I mean, I completely respect my dad. He’s going to be a Hall of Famer. So, I mean, I’m not going to put words in his mouth or explain what he said.”<\/p>\n
Keith also had some spicy comments on Brady\u2019s role in the Florida debacle.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t play that much last game, either. I just wanted to throw that in there,\u201d he said on the podcast, and went on to take what seemed like a shot at Green. \u201cWhy play him a lot in a big game? I\u2019m just carving the coach right now.”<\/p>\n
Brother Matthew chimed in: \u201cWhy play him more at the Olympics than the regular season? That makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n
Green replied on Thursday: \u201cIf I’m not mistaken, he’s probably in our top three or four on our team for ice time. He’s a big man. I think Brady’s minutes are perfect, to tell you the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Green said he knows Keith Tkachuk \u201creally well.\u201d\u00a0\u201cHe’s a friend. Played with him, known (him) a long time. I know he’s outspoken,\u201d Green said.<\/p>\n
Brady Tkachuk didn\u2019t hide his frustration with having to answer questions about his father after a critical triumph over the Sabres.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve answered twice,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although, there could be some gamesmanship, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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32 Thoughts: The Podcast<\/p>\n