Sens top line of Batherson, Norris, Tkachuk shining

The Ottawa Senators have just conceded the tying goal in Carolina

A once 2-0 lead has vanished with 6:13 to play. The Sens, looking to snap a six-game losing streak, need to regain momentum.
On the ice steps Drake Batherson, Josh Norris and Brady Tkachuk. Nineteen seconds later, it's 3-2 Ottawa. The Sens wouldn't relinquish that lead.
"I think we're seeing a coming of age of that top line," Senators head coach D.J. Smith said. "They're learning to play against the other team's best players. They're only going to get better as they get older.
"They're at the start of their careers but this is a line for me that could be good for a long time."
On Saturday against Colorado, the trio helped the Sens build a 5-2 lead. But that lead too vanished. Not to be denied, Tkachuk made sure they still got two points with the overtime winner 51 seconds into the extra frame.
"They're relishing in the role of going head-to-head with the other team's top line," Smith said.
In New Jersey Monday, the Sens twice came from behind to equalize thanks to goals from Batherson and Tkachuk. They'd collect two more points in the shootout as Norris and Tim Stützle scored.
"We're three really good friends off the ice too and we want to be good every night for each other out there," Batherson said. "We feel good, we're moving around and obviously getting some goals."
During the three games, the three youngsters have combined for six goals and 13 points. On Tuesday, where the Sens lost against the Islanders, Norris scored while Batherson had an assist.
Batherson leads the Sens in scoring this year with 21 points, while Norris and Tkachuk each have 18. Norris' 11 goals leads the team.
"You look at our top line, and Thomas Chabot, they're all plus players," Smith said. "They've all been our best players throughout our wins and they continue to drive the bus."
The combined 57 points Batherson, Norris and Tkachuk have recorded is tied for 21st in the NHL for a team's top three point scorers. However, it should be noted that the Sens' 24 games this season ranks 26th in the league.
While their scoring speaks for itself, where Smith has seen drastic improvement in the trio is on defence. As the team's top line, they are routinely matched up against the opponents best lines which in itself is a challenge.
But it's one they're now excelling in.
"They all have offence, we know that, but their play away from the puck has been so much better," Smith said. "They're tracking back and they are earning their chances. Right now, they are a tough out. They are a young line but if you look at some of the best lines in the league over the years, it's how well they play away from the puck."
Up next for the Sens is a test against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday. The Sens then open a three-game road trip opens that begins against the Florida Panthers on Dec. 14 before a rematch with Tampa Bay two days later. It concludes in Philadelphia on Dec. 18.
Florida, boasting Alexander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad and Jonathan Huberdeau, ranks second in the league with 3.80 goals per game while the Bolts, featuring Victor Hedman, Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos, among others, score 3.28 a contest.
But facing those top lines and players are the challenges Batherson, Norris and Tkachuk want to embrace as they make their name as one of the NHL's top lines.
"I think we're having a lot of fun," Norris said. "We know what kind of players each of us are and that's what makes our line go. We're all a little bit different but we all compete and we all play the right way. When we do that, our skill takes over and obviously all of us can score and make plays.
"I think there's continuous improvement, wanting to get better and earn our title in this league."