Despite ending up on the wrong side of a 4-0 decision last weekend against the Capitals, that game was much closer than the final score would indicate. The Senators actually outshoot the Caps 35-33 and dominated in the face-off circle winning 64% of the draws but weren't able to bury their scoring chances early in the game whereas as Washington did.
"When you look back at that game last Saturday, we had a bunch of scoring chances that we just didn't convert," said Brady Tkachuk. "If we had potted one or two of those at key moments, it probably would have been a much different game. They're a great team with great coaching and they're the defending champs for a reason so I think it's a positive sign that we can hang with a team like that."
Tkachuk was on the end of several missed opportunities to get the Sens on the board against the Capitals and, after a hot start, has had some issues converting his chances recently with just one goal in his last 10 games.
"That's kind of been the story recently," he said. "I think it's just about bearing down and having that killer instinct. The good news is that the chances have been there so it's my job to make sure they go in the back of the net again."
Despite not getting on the scoresheet in their previous meeting, Tkachuk's brand of physicality, speed and grit was very noticeable against the Capitals and he's looking forward to tonight's rematch.
"I had a blast," Tkachuk said about his first game against Washington. "I love to play in those fast, physical games and they have a couple big strong guys on their team to go along with some of the most skilled players in the league so I'm looking forward to getting another crack at them again so soon."
