NHL Notebook: Senators Brady Tkachuk breaks NHL record for most hits in one game and Canucks Elias Lindholm prepares to play ‘best hockey’ in 2024 playoffs

Tkachuk polished off his accomplishment with one goal, seven shots on net, two penalty minutes, and 20:06 of ice time. This season, the forward has totalled over 300 shots on goal with an additional 270 hits. 

The league only began tracking hits following the 2005-06 lockout, resulting in players such as Scott Stevens and Wendel Clark’s statistics in this category being unfortunately not applicable. 

The Senators’ loss to the Devils adds to their disappointing season, with a record of 33-39-4 and 70 points tying them for last place in the Atlantic Division with the Montreal Canadiens. At the start of the 2023-24 campaign, the organization had expectations of grasping a playoff spot, but the team’s performance has fallen short, a fact that is deeply disappointing. 

During an episode of Daily Faceoff Live last week, Frank Seravalli expressed his opinions on the Senators and what he hopes will change following the conclusion of the regular season. 

“It’s fact, not opinion, that the Senators have had the most disappointing season of all 32 teams in the NHL,” Seravalli said. “I’m real curious as to how aggressive (Senators’ general manager Steve) Staios is in his nature when trying to make changes.”

Canucks Elias Lindholm prepares to play ‘best hockey’ in 2024 playoffs

When Elias Lindholm was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks from the Flames in February, the hope was that he would flourish with his new team, building off the offensive success he had in Calgary over recent years.

But after failing to do so and working his way through an injury, the forward has shifted his focus to the most important stat of all: winning.

“My main goal here is to win the Stanley Cup,” Lindholm told Sportsnet after the Canucks practiced at the Kings’ training facility. “Whether that is me putting up zero points or putting up (many), I don’t even care, honestly. But I want to be helping the team in the right way. And I think I can help this team by playing my best hockey and help this team take the next step and have a good run in the playoffs.”

Lindholm certainly hasn’t had a smooth season. In the first half of the year, contract discussions and his uncertain future contributed to the 29-year-old’s slow start. However, despite the trade that sent shockwaves through the NHL, the forward has yet to settle down and rediscover his game. 

In his first six games after moving to the Canucks, Lindholm had a pair of two-goal games but lacked that same performance in the following 16 games. To add to his struggles, Lindholm suffered a wrist injury, forcing him out of the lineup since March 23rd. 

“Going into the last year of your contract and I’m a UFA after this season, obviously I put a lot of pressure — even before the season started — on myself,” Lindholm said.

“I wanted to produce and be the best version of myself, and obviously, it hasn’t really worked out. That’s just the way it has been. But then the trade happened and I was excited to be here and be part of this group, and hopefully I can play my best hockey in the playoffs and show the real me.”

When Lindhom took to the ice to practice alongside his teammates, head coach Rick Tocchet noted that the team is at its strongest when built around the core of Lindholm, J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, and Teddy Blueger. 

Although Tocchet didn’t reveal a timeline for the forward’s return to the lineup, he showed no signs of concern regarding the veteran’s preparations for the playoffs. 

“If he only played 200 games (in the NHL), I’d be a little more concerned,” Tocchet said. “But he’s played 800. He’s a veteran guy, he’s played in the playoffs before. I bet he’d like to get some warmups in here and get in some games. But I’m not as concerned for a veteran. But yeah, of course, you know, I’m sure he’d like some reps.”

As Lindhom continues to heal physically, hopefully, the time off will allow him to reset mentally so he can return to being the best version of himself.