NHL legend Keith Tkachuk has publicly slammed league organizers following the Ottawa Senators’ stunning elimination from the playoffs at the hands of the underdog Toronto Maple Leafs. What was expected to be a competitive series ended in controversy — and Tkachuk, whose son Brady Tkachuk captains the Senators, did not hold back.
The former NHL All-Star accused league authorities of operating under the influence of betting companies, calling the playoff outcome “bizarre” and “suspect.” His explosive comments came just hours after the Senators were knocked out in what fans and analysts have called a “statistical anomaly” of a series, marked by questionable calls, odd bounces, and an unusually lopsided officiating narrative.
“I’ve been around this game my whole life,” Tkachuk said in a post-game rant. “What we just witnessed wasn’t hockey — it was a setup. The NHL doesn’t even try to hide it anymore. They work for the betting companies now.”
His comments lit up social media, drawing both fierce support and criticism. While many frustrated Senators fans echoed his sentiment, the backlash from the other side was swift — most notably from Toronto’s superstar Auston Matthews, who responded with a sharp retort during his media availability:
“Maybe focus less on conspiracy theories and more on why your team couldn’t close,” Matthews said. “We earned that win.”
Matthews’ response only fueled the fire, as speculation and debate surged online about the integrity of officiating and the growing presence of sports betting in professional leagues.
This isn’t the first time the NHL has faced scrutiny over its relationship with gambling platforms, but having a figure of Keith Tkachuk’s stature publicly voice such allegations adds a new level of tension. League officials have yet to respond directly to the accusations.
Meanwhile, Brady Tkachuk has remained silent, opting not to comment on his father’s claims — though insiders report the Senators locker room was “stunned” by the abrupt end to their postseason hopes.
With the hockey world buzzing, one thing is clear: Keith Tkachuk has reignited an uncomfortable conversation about sports, fairness, and money — one the NHL won’t be able to ignore much longer.
