Stutzle explains dinner snub before Senators beat Panthers
Tim Stutzle told reporters he did not have dinner with Brady Tkachuk before Tkachuk returned to Ottawa, citing a personal chef at home. Stutzle then scored a power-play goal and added an assist in Ottawa's 5-1 win over Florida. His goal tied Jochen Hecht for third-most NHL power-play goals by a German player.
Before facing Florida, Stutzle explained that he had not met Tkachuk for dinner, saying he had not seen his former captain and citing a personal cook at his residence. The remarks followed Ottawa’s Wednesday morning skate. Stutzle had previously discussed Tkachuk’s departure carefully, noting Ottawa would miss him but needed to focus on the future.
Tkachuk scored first, yet Stutzle replied with a first-period power-play one-timer set up by Jake Sanderson. Stutzle later assisted on Stephen Halliday’s goal in Ottawa’s 5-1 win. His 38th career NHL power-play goal moved him level with Jochen Hecht for third among German players.
The exchange may resonate mainly with hockey fans and media, who could treat it as lighthearted drama surrounding a former captain’s return. It may also draw attention to Stutzle’s on-ice response and German power-play milestone, potentially increasing interest among Senators supporters and German hockey followers. Because the remarks are playful and backed by performance, any broader social impact is likely limited to fan conversation rather than wider public debate.