Do you recall when Paul Maurice mentioned, “I didn’t feel that at all. I thought it was really really quiet. I didn’t feel the intensity of the hitting was much there was a different kind of puck control there wasn’t as much time on the walls.” Yep, this is from that same game where Matthew Tkachuk delivered a big hit on Jake Guentzel from the Tampa Bay Lightning. He ended up getting a five-minute major penalty for interference and a game misconduct, too.
But that’s not all! There were plenty of talks about whether Chucky might face a game suspension, similar to what happened with Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel, who had to sit out for Game 3. So, you won’t believe this! We got some good news for the Panthers!
David Pagnotta just shared on X that “For those curious, there will be no hearing for Matthew Tkachuk by NHL Player Safety for his hit on Jake Guentzel in Saturday’s game.” So, this isn’t exactly the news that Tampa Bay fans were hoping to hear on a Sunday. There were a lot of rumors going around about Matthew Tkachuk possibly getting suspended, but those have all been put to rest.
The hockey forward will be on the Panthers roster for Game 4. Definitely a letdown for the Lightning and their fans. What’s the reason for that? They were kind of anticipating a similar reaction from the NHL officials since Brandon Hagel ended up with a one-game suspension for hitting the Panthers captain, especially since the puck wasn’t even in his possession. But with everything going on between the two teams, it’s clear that their rivalry is really heating up.
For those curious, there will be no hearing for Matthew Tkachuk by @NHLPlayerSafety for his hit on Jake Guentzel in Saturday’s game.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) April 27, 2025
The post Worries Disappear for Matthew Tkachuk as Florida-Tampa Bay Rivalry Gets Heated in Playoffs appeared first on EssentiallySports.
