NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk makes bold admission about goal drought with Panthers, references Alex Ovechkin

In the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Final, the Florida Panthers have taken a 2-0 lead over the Carolina Hurricanes, with Matthew Tkachuk emerging as a key figure and ending a long goal-scoring drought. After finding the net, the 27-year-old forward referenced Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.

In Game 2 of the series against the Canes, Tkachuk scored the game-winning goal in overtime, silencing critics and solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer. The Panthers secured a dominant 5-0 win and will now look to close out the series at home.

Despite his scoring struggles, Tkachuk has remained influential for the team, tallying 12 points (four goals and eight assists) in 14 postseason games. Even during his scoring drought, the Panthers’ star didn’t miss the chance to drop a clever remark.

What did Tkachuk say about his goal-scoring drought?

“We’re up two games to zero, I do not care how we get there,” Tkachuk said. “If it goes in, it goes in. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’ve never cared. Sometimes it’s nice to see it go in, but it is what it is. I’m not (Alex) Ovechkin, they are not always going to go in, but when they do, they feel nice,” Tkachuk said, according to NHL.com.

Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the first period in Game Three of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ovechkin’s historic milestone

Alexander Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer on April 6, 2025, when he scored his 895th goal in a game against the New York Islanders. This achievement broke the previous record of 894 goals set by Wayne Gretzky, with both players reaching the milestone in exactly 1,487 regular-season games.

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It’s clear that Tkachuk is far from matching the Washington Capitals star’s goal total, as Ovechkin is now just three goals away from reaching 900 in his career. However, the Panthers’ standout may soon be able to claim back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.