In a post-playoffs edition of our Senators mailbag, we respond to readers' comments and questions on Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk's lack of offensive production against Carolina, what the Senators could have accomplished with a healthy blue line, and Carter Yakemchuk's postseason debut.
While six other series are still undecided in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it is locker clean-out day for the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa's early exit, a sweep at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes, is as heartbreaking for Sens fans as it is bewildering.
Where Were Stutzle and Tkachuk?
From newf, @eternalposting on X: “I knew that Carolina had us beat on depth even though ours wasn’t bad. Really thought our stars would elevate though and be the difference. They were not.” From Citizen reader Jimmy Hoist: “How many points did Brady get?”
Hypotheticals are aplenty after any series loss, even a sweep, and the biggest ‘What if?’ for the Senators involves their two stars up front. The top reason Ottawa isn’t preparing for Game 5 is that Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk combined for one assist in four games against Carolina. Regardless of how well-structured and stingy the Hurricanes are defensively, that level of production is almost inconceivable. Between them, Stutzle and Tkachuk had 142 points in 140 regular-season games.
In Game 2, it seemed both were destined to break through and help even the series at one apiece heading back to Ottawa, but multiple posts and several brilliant saves by Frederik Andersen kept them off the scoresheet. They were snake-bitten, though that is no excuse in the postseason.
Even-Strength Struggles
At even strength, Tkachuk was inconsistent. He would dominate along the walls and create chances at the goalmouth for a few shifts but then disappear for the rest of the period. Stutzle was swarmed every time he attempted to drive to the middle, registering only one shot on goal from the slot at 5-on-5 all series. He lost countless puck battles.
Both must take responsibility for the embarrassing power play that went 1-for-21. Tkachuk had far too many careless puck touches, while Stutzle lacked pace and precision on entries and was smothered when he got possession on the half wall. At 5-on-4, they combined for one shot and five giveaways. Ottawa had four 5-on-3 opportunities and did not score once.
Stutzle was mystified, looking skyward after each chance and pleading his case on the bench when coach Travis Green leaned in to give advice. The captain was enraged, slamming doors coming off the ice and taking out his frustrations in a chaotic Game 4.
Linus Ullmark put on one of the greatest goaltending performances in franchise history, and the Senators managed to score only five goals for him.
