OTTAWA — One Ontario hockey team had the “Core Four.” The other is forming the “Big Three.”

Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson’s play will determine the fate of the Ottawa Senators this season.

They are each unique in their play styles, with Tkachuk’s bruising skill, Stutzle’s dazzling offence and Sanderson’s two-way stick. And all three players said as they reported to training camp Thursday that they’re in the best shape of their lives. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the league.

“Playoffs is great, but it’s not about just getting in the playoffs anymore,” Tkachuk said after Thursday’s skate. • 32 Thoughts: The Podcast Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyl

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