Legendary NHL veteran Keith Tkachuk stirred major controversy after publicly blasting league officials in the wake of the Ottawa Senators’ unexpected playoff elimination. The Senators, led by his son Brady Tkachuk, were knocked out in a stunning upset by the underdog Toronto Maple Leafs. The elder Tkachuk accused the NHL of being influenced by betting companies, suggesting that “calls on the ice and playoff matchups are starting to look more like business decisions than fair competition.”
Fans were shocked by his bold claims, especially after a series of questionable officiating calls during the final games. “It’s not just bad luck — it’s rigged for drama,” Tkachuk said, implying that the NHL prioritized betting interests over team integrity. His comments sparked heated debate across sports media and social platforms.
Leafs star Auston Matthews didn’t hold back in his response. “That’s just disrespectful,” he said. “We played hard and earned it. Don’t take that away from us.”
The NHL has yet to respond formally, but Tkachuk’s statements have added fuel to an already intense postseason, raising serious questions about transparency and the growing influence of sports betting in professional hockey. The controversy is likely far from over.
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