Travis Green unloads on fans criticizing Brady Tkachuk.

I think it may be safe to say that Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green is a bit tired of hearing the criticism directed at Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.

On Monday, Green was asked about Tkachuk perhaps getting too emotional during the course of games and Green delivered an impassioned speech in response to the question about just how important Brady Tkachuk is to both the team as well as the city of Ottawa. Green, who had to compose himself a few times during his response, began by talking about how fortunate the team was to have a player like that on their squad.

"We're lucky to have this guy, for starters," said Green. "He's a skilled hockey player, he's tough, he's mean, he cares passionately about winning, about winning in Ottawa, and he's a very good hockey player."

Green argued that any team at any level of hockey would love to have a player like Tkachuk on their roster.

"Any league in the world you would want a player like this on your hockey team," said Green.

Green did concede that Tkachuk is not a perfect player, but quickly argued that there is no such thing even when it comes to the National Hockey League.

"I don't think it's fair," said Green of the criticism Tkachuk is facing. "Is he perfect? No. There are not many perfect players in the world, if any."

Green also clearly sent a message to the fans in Ottawa when he warned them that they should be more appreciative of what they have on their team.

"Sometimes when you have something for a little while you kind of forget what you have," said Green. "And I think the Ottawa Senators are lucky to have this guy."

Green, who did not look happy at all as he made these comments, cautioned critics of Tkachuk to take a step back and reflect on their criticism moving forward.

"I would probably take a step back on that because I don't think it's fair," said Green.

Green also argued that he would much rather have a player like Tkachuk than someone at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to emotions during the course of a game.

"It's always hard," said Green. "Sometimes you gotta light a fire under a guy's ass and try to get him to play hard. I'd much rather have a guy that plays extremely hard and teach him when to do it and when not to do it. I think people forget this guy is a young guy still."

Green closed his comments by effectively laughing at the criticism that has been directed at Tkachuk, indicating that he feels it is ridiculous to begin with.

"My god, to go after a guy because he's emotional and wants to win... like really?" asked an incredulous Green. "We want all our players to be emotional and want to win. So to challenge a guy like that... I think it's crazy."