Brady Tkachuk is leading the Ottawa Senators into a crucial stretch of the season as they push for a playoff spot with just 23 games remaining. Returning from injury, Tkachuk played a pivotal role in their recent 5-3 victory against the San Jose Sharks, which ended a frustrating five-game losing streak. With the Senators sitting just two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Tkachuk emphasizes the importance of winning now, stating, "playoff hockey starts now".

The Senators displayed resilience despite a shaky start, coming back to win after being down 2-1 in the second period. With contributions from teammates like Tim Stutzle, who extended his point streak to 11 games, Ottawa is starting to find their rhythm. Coach Travis Green noted the need for consistent performance, especially in upcoming road games.

Connor McDavid's overtime goal sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory for Canada against the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. The match, held in Boston, showcased a back-and-forth battle where Nathan MacKinnon and Sam Bennett scored for Canada, while Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson netted for the U.S. Despite Canada’s perceived goaltending vulnerabilities, Jordan Binnington's crucial saves in overtime were instrumental in clinching the win. This victory rekindles hopes for McDavid, a three-time Hart Trophy winner, as he eyes participation in the 2026 Olympics.

McDavid's sentiment about the tournament’s significance reflects the camaraderie and determination of the Canadian team. This win marked Canada’s first tournament final against the U.S. since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. As NHL players prepare for Olympic participation after an eight-year hiatus, the competitive landscape promises to be intense in 2026, with the U.S. aiming to overcome its medal drought in Olympics featuring NHL talent.

The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament is seeing some changes as Quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, withdraws due to injury, allowing Jake Sanderson to step into the spotlight. Sanderson, only 22, takes Hughes' place and reunites with former teammate Brock Faber. Both players are now in a position to potentially compete in the Winter Olympics back-to-back.

While the U.S. mourns the loss of the Hughes brothers, Jack Hughes remains hopeful for Quinn's recovery as the Vancouver Canucks captain focuses on future performance. Meanwhile, Finland is grappling with its own loss, Miro Heiskanen, who is sidelined month-to-month, testing the team's defensive depth.

On the Canadian front, Drew Doughty, recovering from an injury, eagerly joins the national team while Linus Ullmark of Sweden is back from his own injury concerns, aiming to help his squad. As these teams adapt, the competition promises to be fierce.

Quinn Hughes, the standout defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks and reigning Norris Trophy winner, will miss the 4 Nations Face-Off due to an undisclosed injury. Hughes sustained the injury late in a game against the Dallas Stars on January 31 and has been sidelined for four games. This season, he boasts an impressive 14 goals and 45 assists over 47 games.

Stepping into his place on the U.S. roster is Jake Sanderson, a defenseman for the Ottawa Senators. Sanderson has contributed 5 goals and 30 assists this season. The U.S. team is set to kick off their tournament against Finland on Thursday night in Montreal, where the absence of Hughes, who was also supposed to play alongside his younger brother Jack Hughes, will be keenly felt.