Ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, all the eyes were on Matthew Tkachuk, who was nearing a return. The Panthers star suffered a groin injury at the Four Nations tournament earlier this year and missed several key games for the Panthers. However, just ahead of the playoffs, he returned to practice, in the hope of making a comeback as the Panthers take on the Lightning in a pulsating round 1 playoff tie. Ahead of Game 1, Tkachuk has kept the words of the Panthers’ coach, Paul Maurice.
Recently, during an interview, Maurice urged Tkachuk to make a comeback in Game 1 against the Lightning. Maurice said, “He’s got to get through the morning skate tomorrow. We’re still monitoring his recovery off the practice. … We’ll see how he feels coming back tomorrow, and if he feels good, then he’ll go.”
Indeed, Maurice has obeyed his coach’s demands and was seen in the second line during the morning skate line rushes, signalling that a comeback in Game 1 is highly likely. Despite being away for more than two months, Tkachuk is an important piece of the puzzle in the Panthers lineup. He’s a player who can make a difference and turn the tide of a game with his physical play, so his return gives the Panthers a huge boost ahead of the Battle of Florida.
Matthew Tkachuk remains on the #FlaPanthers second line during morning skate line rushes
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 22, 2025
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