Senators HC Travis Green makes his feelings known about Drake Batherson's outing against Ducks

By R. Nikhil Parshy

Modified Dec 12, 2024 12:19 GMT

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Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson scored three times and assisted once on Wednesday, helping his team earn a 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. After the game. his coach Travis Green had a humorous reaction to Batherson's impressive performance.

When asked about Batherson's efforts in the post-game interview, Green funnily stated that he had a 'bad' game, prompting laughter during the press conference. The Sens head coach was being ironic. He went on to praise the winger for his outstanding performance throughout the game.

"He had a bad, tough game. (laughs) I mean, anytime you get three and one, you've had a pretty good night. So, he's one of those players that when we talk about our team improving over the course of the summer, that he's really taken it to heart."

"He's becoming a player, not only that's a good player in the league, but I think a player that you can win with, and never mind the goals, the assists or whatever point totals, his play away from the puck has been impressive," Green said.

Batherson scored twice in the first period before completing the hattrick in the second. His first goal also happened to be the 100th of his NHL career. There was some initial confusion regarding the goal, as it was ruled off initially. However, camera reviews from inside the net showed the puck had clearly went in.

The second goal came during another power play, while the third goal, which put the Senators up 4-0, was a rapid shot that found the back of the net.

Drake Batherson's quest for consistency in the NHL

Before Wednesday's game, Drake Batherson had not scored in six games. Although he recorded an assist in each of those games except one, there were concerns about his goal production. After the game, Batherson acknowledged the importance of maintaining consistency in the NHL.

“The hardest thing in the NHL is trying to play consistently every night,” Batherson said. “For me, it’s been a work in progress. This is my seventh year now and I’m trying to crack down on that and play a 200-foot game. I think when you’re playing good defensively, it leads to some offensive opportunities, and it seems to be going that way right now.”

The Senators improved to a 13-13-2 record, earning 28 points from as many games. They now hold the 5th position in the Atlantic Division, eight points off the lead. Meanwhile, the Ducks remain last in the Pacific Division.