The Ottawa Senators kicked off 2026 with a hard-fought victory on home ice, but it was a moment of loyalty and grit that truly defined the game. In a spirited first-period altercation, forward Drake Batherson stepped up to defend teammate Thomas Chabot, a move that resonated throughout the locker room and helped propel the team to a win over the Washington Capitals on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
A Fight That Sparked the Bench
The incident occurred during the opening frame at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. After a play along the boards involving Chabot, Washington's Justin Sourdif became engaged with the Senators' defenseman. Batherson, wearing number 19, immediately intervened, dropping the gloves with Sourdif (number 34). The two traded blows before tumbling to the ice, with Batherson earning the clear nod in the scrap and sending a powerful message.
Teammates and coaches took immediate note of the display. "That's what you want to see," one Senator was overheard saying post-game. "When a skilled guy like Bath shows that kind of heart for a teammate, it lifts everyone. It tells you we're all in this together." The fight seemed to energize the Ottawa bench, shifting momentum and setting a physical, determined tone for the remainder of the contest.
Securing the Victory
Buoyed by the early emotional lift, the Senators played a structured, relentless game against the Capitals. While the official scoring details from the game were not included in the initial report, the team managed to secure two crucial points in the standings. The win provided a positive start to the new year for a club looking to build consistency and climb the Eastern Conference ladder.
The significance of the victory was amplified by the context of the calendar. Playing on New Year's Day is a rare occurrence in the NHL regular season, making the win a memorable one for the players and the home fans who braved the holiday to fill the arena.
Leadership Beyond the Scoresheet
Batherson's actions underscored a form of leadership that doesn't always appear on the scoresheet. As a top-six forward relied upon for offensive production, his willingness to engage physically in defense of a star defenseman like Chabot demonstrated a commitment to team unity that coaches cherish.
"It shows the character in our room," said a team official. "Drake is a heart-and-soul player for us, and that moment was about more than just a fight. It was about accountability and having your brother's back. Those are the moments that can define a team's identity over a long season." As the Senators move forward in 2026, the hope is that this blend of skill and sacrifice becomes a hallmark of their game.
