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During Tuesday's preseason game between the Leafs and Senators, tensions flared between Sens captain Brady Tkachuk and Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit. The drama unfolded in the second period, when Tkachuk delivered a hard hit on Alex Nylander after the whistle had blown, which seemed to be a response to a previous non-call that had frustrated the Sens forward.
Following a save by Anton Forsberg that led to a stoppage in play, Brady Tkachuk pushed Nylander, escalating the situation. Benoit, clearly unhappy with Tkachuk's actions, quickly confronted him.
Consequently, both players received minor penalties for roughing. NHL fans took to social media to express their opinions, as one tweeted:
"What is Tkachuk doing and why is this not called? Guy is an absolute loser."
Another chimed in:
"it is generous haha. He bumped into him and Nylander looked like he got sniped from the third level."
Here are the other top reactions on X:
"I can't stand the leafs, but that's dirty AF. Nylander wasn't even looking and Tkachuk leveled him well after the whistle. Brady is a POS," another wrote."
"How this is not called in a preseason game is beyond me. You’re just asking for the top to blow off this pot," one fan expressed their disappointment with the call.
One fan was not too convinced Tkachuk's hit warranted that reaction from Nylander.
"Hit is generous haha. He bumped into him and Nylander looked like he got sniped from the third level."
But one fan was loving the chippiness even in preseason.
"Love to see the early action. So glad hockey is back," one X user posted.
Brady Tkachuk and Senators take down Maple Leafs in preseason
On Tuesday, the Ottawa Senators hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Canadian Tire Centre for the preseason matchup.
Alex Steeves scored for the Leafs to put them up 1-0 at 6:29 of the first period. At 16:27, Jake Sanderson equalized for the Sens. A short-hand goal from Zack Ostapchuk at 12:36 of the third period secured a 2-1 win for the home side.
Brady Tkachuk and the Senators will host the Buffalo Sabres in their next preseason matchup on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena.
