The Ottawa Senators picked up a big win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night. Brady Tkachuk scored a goal in his return to Ottawa, but it wasn't enough. The biggest takeaway from this game, though, is the Ottawa fanbase.

Senators fans were hyped up for this game. They let Tkachuk hear it at every turn. There were multiple targeted chants toward Tkachuk and his brother, Matthew. They booed the former Ottawa captain any time he touched the puck. Simply put, there was a ton of energy in that building. Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson certainly took notice.

“I think I didn't expect it to be that much. A little crazy, but you know what? Like we got great fans. They're passionate. You know they want to see our team do good and win. So you know, like I said before, they brought the energy tonight, and you know it's awesome to see everyone on their feet at the end of the game,” the Ottawa star said, via NHL.com.

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Sanderson, who made his return from injury on Wednesday, had himself a game. He did not score a goal. But he did provide two assists on the night to help Ottawa's offensive effort. The Senators won this one by a score of 5-1.

The Senators are now 7-3-0 on the 2026-27 campaign. It's been a nice start to life without Brady Tkachuk in the lineup. Wednesday night's win certainly had to feel good for this team. Ottawa has to continue this momentum, though. That work begins on Thursday when they take on the San Jose Sharks.