Drake Batherson has entered a late-season bid for NHL Goal of the Year.
Ottawa Senators’ forward Drake Batherson scored a filthy overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. Ottawa was playing their third-last game of the 2021-22 NHL season at Canadian Tire Centre.
Batherson sent the fans home happy with a ridiculous toe drag and finish in extra time. Batherson came down the right wing before burning Devils’ blueliner Ty Smith with a nasty toe drag move. After undressing Smith, Batherson then slid the puck five-hole on goalie MacKenzie Blackwood.
Batherson full skill-set is on display here as he shows off his filthy hands and patience to leave Ty Smith in the dust. Batherson then shows great precision to tuck the puck five-hole. He caps off his filthy goal with a sweet bow-and-arrow celebration.
Check out Batherson’s ridiculous overtime winner below:
Batherson has had a tough season, so it’s great to seem score a highlight-reel goal in front of the Ottawa fans. The 24-year-old has missed significant time this season due to injury and COVID-19. Batherson missed 28 games this year after getting hit by Sabres’ goalie Aaron Dell behind the net.
Batherson is a member of an exciting young core in Ottawa that also includes Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Tim Stutzle. The Sens have 71 points in 81 games this season after finishing with 51 points in 56 games last season. The last time Ottawa made the playoffs was 2017.
The Sens have already been eliminated from NHL playoff contention, but Batherson’s filthy OT goal gave fans a reason to cheer and be excited about the future. Batherson now has 17 goals and 44 points in 44 games this season, making him a player to watch in the coming years.
