‘Time goes so quick’: Senators’ Stutzle enjoyed ride to 400th career game, eyes more

OTTAWA — At 23 years of age, the last thing Tim Stutzle should be feeling is old, but that’s what the Ottawa Senators star centre said he felt after playing his 400th game.

Stutzle had a solid performance picking up an assist in the Senators’ 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins to give him 360 career points (130 goals, 230 assists).

His 360 points are the fourth most at the time of a players 400th game with the Senators behind only Jason Spezza (416), Alexei Yashin (376) and Dany Heatley (362).

“Time goes so quick,” said Stutzle. “It’s been awesome so far and hopefully I can play many more with this group of guys. And, yeah, it’s been special so far.”

Now in his sixth season with the Senators, Stutzle’s journey has been anything but average.

He’s dealt with playing during a pandemic, gone through trying times and last season finally experienced playoff hockey for the first time.

“It’s just been a fun ride,” admitted Stutzle.

At his age, he doesn’t tend to reflect a whole lot on the past but admits he sometimes thinks he wasn’t very good in his first couple years and wanted to improve.

Known for his offensive abilities, Stutzle has definitely worked on improving the defensive side of his game to become a much more well-rounded player.

“I just try to improve every year,” he said. “Just keep looking forward and try to help the team win.”

Stutzle is the first to admit he hasn’t played as consistently as he’d like recently, but with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in his last 10 games, he feels like things are taking a turn.

It’s likely no coincidence that the Senators have won three of their last four games (3-1-0).

“I had a little bit of a stretch where I didn’t play as good,” Stutzle said. “Still created, but didn’t get the points but I didn’t play good. For me it’s not about how many points I get. It’s if I create, if I play my game and don’t really give up anything.”

Recently, he feels he’s made more of a concerted effort to get to the net and shoot more and is being rewarded.

Head coach Travis Green has liked Stutzle’s game of late.

“He had a stretch where he didn’t get any points and that always plays on a player’s mind, especially one as good as Timmy,” said Green. “And, I think, he’s just simplified his game a little bit, played a little more straight line, shooting the puck. He’s been physical.”

Green believes that sometimes players get rewarded for their strong play off the puck, and Stutzle is a perfect example.

While Stutzle was playing his 400th game, he was just excited to see teammate David Perron pick up his 800th career point, scoring his 324th career goal.

“I told him before the game he’s going to get it,” Stutzle said. “So I was really happy for him and his family. He deserves it. I think he’s a really important player for our team and really big voice in our room, so really happy for him, but we don’t care about points in here. All we care about is win and this was a big win tonight and a big goal by him.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2025.