How can the Florida Panthers keep their composure as they stare down the Stanley Cup in Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers? Matthew Tkachuk has a simple answer—one that doubles as an ultimatum for Brad Marchand and the rest of the team. Tuesday could mark the final game of the 2024–25 NHL season, and the Cats are ready to deliver the knockout punch.
It’s been a grueling journey, but after almost an year of uninterrupted competition, the Panthers are one win away from the most coveted trophy. At the end of the day, what it’s all about in the NHL—the Stanley Cup.
Only 60 minutes might separate Tkachuk and the Panthers from back-to-back championships. Who would have thought? Back when everybody believed the Calgary Flames had won the blockbuster trade with the Panthers, who would’ve thought?
Tkachuk and the Panthers believed—and that was all that mattered. Now, Florida is gearing up for a potential Stanley Cup-clinching showdown against the Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. They’ve been here before—almost exactly a year ago. The Panthers had a chance to close out the series at home in Game 5 but fell short. They didn’t lift the Cup until Game 7, back on home ice.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
This time around, there are several new faces on the lineup—like Marchand’s. Still, the Panthers hope to avoid travelling back to Edmonton for a winner-takes-all matchup. In hopes of ending the series in Sunrise, Tkachuk dropped a firm order for Marchand and company.
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“We have to treat this like a Game 7,” Matthew Tkachuk said about the upcoming game during his media availability on Monday, per insider Jameson Olive.
More than anybody knows
The Panthers have become a staple of success in the NHL in recent years. After reaching three straight Stanley Cup Finals, every team knows their story—but few truly grasp the grind and sacrifice behind the journey.
On that note, Tkachuk made sure to remind the rest of the league of it. However, he made sure not to reveal none of their secret formulas.
Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers speaks during Media Day prior to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 03, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta.
“It’s a grind, probably worse than anybody can imagine,” Tkachuk admitted. “I’m not going to give away any of our recovery secrets, because then some other teams might think they can be in this position. [Recovery] is a very important part of what we do. It’s helped us a lot. It’s a very big reason why we continue to have success deep into the playoffs.”
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Playing through the pain
Tkachuk, who had been placed on the long-term injured reserve (LTIR) after the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off, returned to the lineup for the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a long absence. Although he had a stellar performance in his first game back, the Panthers’ star admitted he wasn’t quite feeling like himself on the ice.
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“The first round was definitely the worst I felt. By far,” Tkachuk added. “I didn’t know if I was going to come back at the start of the playoffs. I knew I needed to help out [the team] as best as I could. Had some ups and downs throughout the playoffs, and now I’m feeling the best I’ve felt.”
