Yakemchuk made a significant impact offensively and defensively as the Senators defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Advertisement
What did Yakemchuk do offensively?
The defenseman from Fort McMurray, Alberta, recorded his first NHL point with two minutes and 45 seconds left on the power play with a secondary assist on a goal by U.S. Olympic gold medalist Brady Tkachuk of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Yakemchuk then scored the first goal of his NHL career at 9:28 of the second period to put the Senators up 2-0. Senators defenseman Artem Zub of Khabarovsk, Russia, got the only assist.
What did Yakemchuk do on defense?
In 12 minutes and 46 seconds of ice time, Yakemchuk just didn’t look out of place at all. He led the Senators with a +2 in just 12 minutes and 46 seconds of ice time. Yakemchuk also had two blocked shots and one takeaway.
Advertisement
How did the senators acquire Yakemchuk?
Yakemchuk was the Senators’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in the 2024 NHL Draft. He played junior hockey with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.
While with the Hitmen, Yakemchuk made franchise history. He set the franchise single-season record for most goals in a season by a defenseman (30 in 2023-24) and set the franchise record for most goals in a career by a defenseman (67).
Moved to playoff position
With the victory, the Senators improved to a record of 38 wins, 24 losses in regulation and nine losses in overtime for 85 points. They moved the Detroit Red Wings into fifth place in the Atlantic Division, but more importantly, they moved past the Red Wings and New York Islanders into eighth place and the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Advertisement
— Enjoy free coverage of top news and trending stories on The Big Lead —
MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Sweet 16 TV schedule, times and game dates for NCAA Tournament
NFL: Puka Nacua’s lawyer downplays the scathing accusation and claims it is “blackmail”
Major Leagues: Traded Blue Jays outfielder who ‘hated’ Ross Atkins opens up about GM
NBA: Ranking of the 15 teams with the best chance of winning the NBA Finals
SPORTS MEDIA: Pat McAfee makes $100,000 charity bet with Brewers star for MLB Opening Day
ENTERTAINMENT: ABC Teases Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘Bachelorette’ Season Despite Ongoing Drama