With the Stanley Cup Playoffs looming on the NHL horizon, the Florida Panthers are eager to get back their vocal, electric leader in Matthew Tkachuk, who’s been sidelined since the 4 Nations Face-Off Final. Now, as the star nears his return to the ice, he’s sent a strong, yet suspenseful message to Brad Marchand and the rest of the squad.
Tkachuk is perhaps the best player on the Panthers, especially when postseason hockey starts. He showcased his clutch genes during the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Playoffs, guiding the Cats to the Final, where they ultimately lost. Having learned their lesson the hard way, the 27-year-old hoisted Lord Stanley the next season.
Winning is addictive, and the Panthers hope to keep their streak and defend their crown in the NHL as the playoffs get underway. Florida has been battling an injury bug all season long, but getting Tkachuk back in the lineup could be the biggest factor as they hunt for another championship.
Ahead of the first round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tkachuk delivered an honest message for Marchand and the rest of the team to listen to.
“For the last month and a little bit, I’ve just been itching so badly. I can’t wait to get back out, whenever that day is. Hopefully, very, very soon,” Tkachuk stated during an appearance on the Up & Adams Show. “I’m just trying to peak sometime around Game 1.“
No official date
“I think I’ll get in trouble if I say [when I’m making my return],” Tkachuk added. “But, I’ll say it’s been a really good last days on the ice.“
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Marchand and the Panthers are hoping Tkachuk joins them when the series against the Lightning starts, but they are gearing up in case he isn’t available for the first games of the Sunshine State Showdown.