Three of the hottest Ottawa Senators are really humming along right now and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The three players are Drake Batherson, Brady Tkachuk, and Jake Sanderson and they have been playing motivated lately, and for good reason. After all, there’s something fueling the club’s current 7-0-1 stretch. So sit tight while we get to why they’ve been such eager contributors to the team’s success as of late.
The Three Hottest Ottawa Senators as of Late
The first player to jump into on our discussion based on their recent surge, perhaps the unsung hero of the forward group, is Drake Batherson. Moreover, his spark might have come slightly more recently than his two American teammates. We’ll explain in a bit. As we referenced his recent surge, and the catalyst that initiated it was the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Specifically, the addition of Dylan Cozens and the subsequent chemistry has been noticeable, very noticeable. We remember hearing of initially Batherson inviting Cozens to his place upon his arrival to the Canadian National Capital.
We’ve noticed Batherson playing with extra confidence offensively and more willing to play the body and doing so more authoritatively, as of late. Besides the fact, Batherson has had an underrated, productive career overall to this point. His career highs are goals (28), assists (40), and points (66). He’s currently on pace for 22 goals, 45 assists, and 67 points. Although, he might very well exceed that pace down the stretch, as he has been heating up with two goals, three assists, and eight hits in the club’s past three games. Meanwhile, since coming over to Ottawa from the Buffalo Sabres at the deadline, Cozens has been hot as well. He has two goals, two assists, and 23 hits in the five games he’s suited up as a member of the Ottawa Senators. So far the connection on and off ice has been evident and Sens hope that not only Batherson’s elevated play but now Cozens, too, continues.
Brady and Sandy Elevating their Play and the Team
Next up, are the two from Team USA at the 4 Nations. However, one has experienced the heightened responsibility as he’s an American captain of a Canadian NHL team. No doubt, it must be difficult to be subjected to hearing the boos of your own national anthem. Everyone just needs to keep in mind, it is passionate Canadians trying to stand up for their country, don’t take this stuff personal.
In any case, it seems since coming back to regular club play, after representing their country, both Tkachuk and Sanderson have been playing with a couple extra bees under their bonnet. And that’s saying something for Brady, who always seems to stir the proverbial pot of honey.
Tkachuk never seems to pass up the opportunity to lay the body. Moreover, it seems that he has heightened confidence around the net, not unlike Drake or Sandy. Even if these three are the hottest, or close to it, Linus Ullmark deserves individual recognition, along with many others. By the way, Ullmark is 6-0-1 in March.
Looking at some stats, we see the evidence of their recent performances. Brady Tkachuk is currently riding a nine-game point streak. Over that span he has an impressive seven tucks, along with three apples. Oh yeah, a few hits registered too, 24 to be exact. Meanwhile, for Sanderson, in the eight games since the break, he has one goal and nine assists. It just seems like he’s on another level. Looking to prove something and for Sen fans, we could care less who he’s looking to prove it to. So buckle up, the next few weeks will be intense, and anything worth doing, is worth doing right and never a smooth ride.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
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