Fresh off a two-goal performance that pushed the Ottawa Senators into a playoff spot, Brady Tkachuk opened up about how much the support from fans means to him during a challenging stretch of the season.

The Senators captain was named first star following a crucial 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes last Sunday and the arena erupted in “Brady! Brady! Brady!” chants during the three-stars presentation.

Speaking on the Wingmen podcast with his brother Matthew, Brady Tkachuk revealed what was going through his mind during the moment.

“It was after the three stars. And I always kind of get giddy about it because for some reason, I always just think back to my 10-year-old self,” he said.

“But to be in that moment and think about just myself as a kid, he’d be losing his mind knowing that this was happening and just couldn’t believe it. So I mean, I just always feel blessed.”

Tkachuk has posted 58 points (22 goals, 36 assists) in 58 games this season so far despite missing time due to a thumb injury that required surgery. He shared that the emotional reception from fans has become a regular occurrence throughout the campaign.

The warm reception came days after his father Keith Tkachuk made comments on the Wingmen podcast that sparked controversy when he criticized what he viewed as a “softer” modern NHL.

Brady Tkachuk dubs nothing better ‘than getting booed on the road’

With the postseason within reach, Tkachuk spoke about the collective excitement building around the team’s final stretch.

“I mean, these are the big games that everybody wants to play. And so just not just myself, but our whole group being excited. And I know the fans and crowd are excited for all these games,” he said.

The captain stressed the importance of the remaining home games at Canadian Tire Centre.

“And we have, I think, three more home games left in the year. And five huge games. So I wouldn’t say everybody’s on pins and needles isn’t the right word, but everybody’s just so excited, so committed, so bought in that these games are just fun.”

For Tkachuk, the contrasting fan reception on home ice versus the road is what he loves about playoff hockey.

“And you get that side at home and nothing better than getting booed on the road,” he added.

The victory against Carolina lifted the Ottawa Senators into the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference with five games left to play. Ottawa followed with another crucial statement win, defeating Tampa Bay 6-2 to strengthen their playoff position. Brady had four assists on the night.