Drake Batherson potted another two goals Monday in the Ottawa Senators 5-1 romp over the Calgary Flames. The victory was the team’s fourth in five games and six-win in nine.
Batherson’s markers extended his streak scoring at least one goal to six games – tying a Senators’ franchise record. The 22-year old became their fifth player to do so.
Jason Spezza (2009-10), Dany Heatley (2006-07), Daniel Alfredsson (2006-07), Bob Kudelski (1993-94) were the others.
Passed over in his first season of his Draft eligibility, Batherson was the Senators fourth-round selection in 2017.
Playing on a line with rookie Tim Stützle on the left side – who’s on a four-game assist streak of his own, and a trio of centres – Artem Anisimov, Josh Norris, Chris Tierney – all centering the line at one juncture or another Monday evening, Batherson has posted seven goals, three assists in his past six games.
Prior to this slew of games, the former Cape Breton Screaming Eagles forward compiled two goals, five assists in his previous 18 this season.
“I said to the boys the last time I scored six was in Peewee. I don’t know. Everything I shoot has been going in. The boys have been making great plays for me. I have to thank my teammates, they’re making some great plays out there,” Batherson said postgame.
The six-foot-three, 204-pound, Batherson, is two points shy of matching his career total of 17 accumulated during his first two partial NHL campaigns where he’s played 43 games.
🗣️"Not one, not two, not three, not four … "
LBJ or Drake Batherson? #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/F2fqasZLX1
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 2, 2021
Goaltender Matt Murray who has a bird’s eye view of Batherson’s play from the opposite end of the ice is doubly impressed with the youngster.
“It’s evident how talented he is. He is a great shooter, smart player. He’s obviously in the right spot. I think that’s one of the ways he scores goals – just puts himself in the right spot. The puck comes to him and he buries his chance. It’s been awesome to watch him. He’s a great kid too – a salt of the earth type of kid. I can’t say anything bad about him. He’s awesome. I love him. He’s been great for us.”
The former Penguins’ goalie obviously “loves The Drake.”
When told Murray was one of Batherson’s favourite players when he was growing up, he quipped, “It definitely does make me feel old. That’s one of the first times that I’ve felt that old.”
Growing up in Nova Scotia, and having the opportunity to train with Sidney Crosby during the off-season, Batherson was all about the Penguins.
Batherson’s dad, Norm who spent the 1993-94 season skating for the Senators’ American League affiliate in Prince Edward Island sent reminders to his son – making Drake aware of the heady company he was challenging to be in.
“My old man’s been texting, letting me know what was going on. I was thinking about it in the back of head, but it wasn’t bothering me too much.”
Batherson has an opportunity to stand alone in the club’s record book with a goal at the Bell Centre in Montreal this evening.
