Matthew Tkachuk knows better than anybody how competitive his brother Brady Tkachuk can be. The Ottawa Senators has waited a long time to make his debut in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and will be looking to make the most of it after the Sens snapped their seven-season drought. On that note, the Florida Panthers‘ star warned Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leaf, ahead of the NHL‘s Battle of Ontario.
The Senators and Maple Leafs hold a grudge for each other, and it will be on full display when they collide in the first round of the 2024-25 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The two Ontarian NHL franchises have faced off in the postseason four times, with Toronto holding a clear edge, boasting a 4-0 lead in the all-time playoff series record.
However, these Senators have been anxiously awaiting their turn in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, after languishing at the bottom of the Atlantic Division for far too long. Matthew knows what it means to his brother, Brady, who witnessed the Florida Panthers’ championship from the stands, and will look to take Lord Stanley back to the Tkachuk household, but this time with his name etched on it.
Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
As both the Sens and Leafs look to exorcise past demons, the Battle of Ontario is shaping up to be an electric showdown bound to go down to the wire. With the prospect of a Tkachuk brothers clash looming in the second round, the older sibling sent a subtle warning to Matthews and the Leafs about Ottawa’s silverware-hungry captain.
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“[Brady’s] a beast. He’ll be the toughest guy in the league to play against in the playoff series,” Matthew Tkachuk said about his brother, during an appearance on the Up & Adams Show.
Tkachuk showdown
One of the biggest storylines during the NHL’s 4 Nations was the Tkachuk brothers finally living out their dream of playing together in a grand stage, while representing their country. Though Matthew’s injury tainted that utopic scenario a bit, it was still memorable.
Now, Matthew’s Panthers and Brady’s Senators are one series win away from meeting in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
“If we both win, we’ll meet in the second round. I guess we just got to take care of our own business, and make that happen,” Matthew admitted. “That’d be really cool for the whole family, but I will say it’s a lot more fun playing with him, than it is against him. I’m not neccesarily looking forward to go up against him in the playoffs. It would not be fun. I’m definitely not going to poke the bear before, if there’s any chance we play him.”
Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States celebrates with Matthew Tkachuk #19 after scoring a goal against Jordan Binnington #50 of Team Canada during the first period in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game at TD Garden
Crossing out the days
Matthew Tkachuk hasn’t played in an NHL game since re-aggravating a lower body injury during the 4 Nations Championship Game. Since, he has been sidelined, assigned to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and counting down the days for his return.
“I’m just trying to peak sometime around Game 1. 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 hinted.
Maple Leafs vs Senators
While the Leafs hold a commanding 4-0 edge in their all-time playoff series against the Sens, Ottawa has dominated the recent meetings, sweeping the regular-season matchup with a 3-0 record.
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Moreover, Ottawa hasn’t lost to Toronto at Scotiabank Arena since the 2022-23 season, holding a four-game winning streak on the road. With the Leafs holding home-ice advantage, the Senators’ form in “The Six” could play a pivotal role.
