Brady Tkachuk Nets An Overtime Game-Winner, But All Eyes Were On Dylan Cozen’s Senators’ Debut

Twenty-four hours after news of his close friend, Josh Norris was dealt to Buffalo, Brady Tkachuk put on a dominant performance, scoring his team’s opening goal, followed by the game-winner 33 seconds into overtime in an Ottawa Senators’ comeback 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers.

The Senators trailed 3-1 7:08 into the third period after Rangers’ Artemi Panarin roofed a shot under the bar past Linus Ullmark.

Ridly Greig got the Senators within one. potting a rebound after Dylan Cozens shot went off the post. Then Michael Amadio swatted the puck out of the air with only 2:52 remaining to send the game into extra time.

The win vaulted the Senators past the Columbus Blue Jackets into the top wild card position at least for the evening, Saturday in a hard-fought Eastern Conference playoff race.

While it was the 500th career game for Tkachuk, eyes were on Cozens and defenseman Dennis Gilbert who each made their Senators’ debut after arriving in Ottawa at 9:00pm Friday.

Gilbert who’s actually a native of Buffalo was credited with three hits in only 6:19 of ice time as Senators head coach Travis Green made the decision to dress seven d-men. Postgame Green made the comment that he liked Gilbert’s physicality he brought to the game.

Lining up between David Perron and Drake Batherson, Cozens played 17:27, earned his first point as a Senator on Greig’s goal and like Gilbert, displayed a physical side of his own, beingcredited with a career high nine hits.

Cozens also saw time on the Senators’ second unit power play and paired with Shane Pinto on the penalty kill – not bad for a player who literally woke up Saturday morning, headed to the rink for a 12:30 start, meeting many of his new teammates for the first time.

The 24-year-old had some familiarity with Batherson, Chabot, Greig and the Senators’ equipment and training staff. Cozens played with Batherson and Chabot for Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Championship and Greig in the 2024 WC.

Upon being traded to Ottawa, Cozens and Batherson shared texts. When asked what his texts to Batherson read, Cozens couldn’t recall his exact words.

“I don’t remember exactly what I said. I sent a lot of texts yesterday, but texted him something like, “Let’s go, bro” like, this is gonna be awesome. I can’t wait to get there and get things moving,” Cozens said postgame.

The Senators’ captain who was understandably emotional Friday was more than welcoming to Cozens and Gilbert Saturday.

“Well, today was as tough a situation.  At 12:30 you’re just “Hello, let’s go play hockey.” So, yeah, I mean that’s a nice that it’s afternoon (game) like today. I’ll be able to spend some time tonight and probably watch some hockey and do some things together, a couple of us, and then get to know them. And yeah, just making them feel welcome, making them feel that they know they’re part of it right from the second they got here. That’s what’s most important to me, and what we’re trying to do here. That right from Day One that you’re welcome with open arms,” Tkachuk explained after his two-goal afternoon.

Cozens shares Tkachuk’s understanding, “Yeah, obviously, it’s always tough losing teammate and good friends, so I feel for them in that aspect. But I haven’t really had much time to think about that. Just came to the rink ready to play, and everyone else is ready to play. So I’m sure I’ll get to talk to the guys more now and get to know them a little better.”

Replacing a popular player is always tough, but the native of the Yukon was appreciative of the ovation from Senators’ fans when he hit the ice.

“It felt great, you know, for them to cheer when I step on the ice. You know, it feels great to have that support from from the fan base. So yeah, it felt really good. I appreciate it lots.”

Prior to landing in Ottawa, Cozens wasn’t having the best of seasons at least offensively, entering the game with 11 goals, 20 assists. However, a change of scenery and the possibility of postseason games can go a long way to rejuvenate a player. And Cozens is no different, dishing out a career high nine hits as mentioned above.

Cozens told Full Press Hockey, physicality was an aspect of his game that had disappeared, “Yeah, I think that’s a big part of my game. And I think I lost a little bit of this the last few years. But I need to bring that back, and I want to be someone that’s hard to play against and be physical in those battles. It’s a big part of my game. And obviously there’s a lot of guys here that play that way.”

An additional facet of Cozens’ game which requires improvement is his 200-foot game. Cozens admitted a desire to become a more complete player, and with Green and his coaching staff which includes Daniel Alfredsson, there’s little doubt he’ll do it with the Senators.

“It’s something I’ve taken pride in my whole career. And, you know, I haven’t been good enough these last few years, but it’s something I want to I want to get back and be recognized as a 200-foot player who can play in all situations of the game. And you can be trusted in big situations, so that’s something I’m gonna get I want to get back.”