How Did Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Play In His Season Debut?
Matthew Tkachuk didn't shy away from the physicality in his first game of the season. The Panthers and USA star has nine games left before the Olympics, but there's no concern about the risk of injury.
Video Transcript
Guys, Matthew Tkachuk is back tonight for the Florida Panthers against the San Jose Sharks.
We just talked about it with the Florida Panthers.
The goal, I think at the start of the season, a lot of us probably would've Just stay in the mix, you know, hover around that playoff spot.
We know what they're capable of when they're missing a few guys.
When they get back and healthy, they're a fantastic team.
Obviously, back-to-back defending Cup champions, 4 points back of a playoff spot.
Tkachuk is on the right wing with Rodriguez in the middle.
And Sam Miskiewicz on the left wing.
Ryan, how close is this Florida Panthers to just going on a huge run?
Get Tkachuk back.
We don't wanna overreact, but sometimes it is that big of a deal to get him back.
In the roster here.
Four points back.
What do you see happening?
With this team from now until the Olympic break?
Well, Tkachuk is obviously a fantastic driver for them.
Not only with what he brings on the ice, but also the leadership.
And just, like, the boost that he will give morale.
'Cause if I'm not mistaken, Brad Marchand is still out as well.
He's expected back soon.
It's very interesting.
Like, Florida's gonna...
They do need to make up some ground.
And I think it will be important to do so in the short term.
Like, let's then.
But for me, it's funny, you know, we talk about them where it's like, Okay, if they make the playoffs, then, you know, they're gonna cruise.
I don't necessarily think that's true, because let's assume Barkov isn't available the playoffs.
Like, it feels like he's done for.
Like, the year, year.
He's such an important part of what they do.
And so much of what he does is kind of under the radar.
Like, all the defensive details in Barkov's game.
So when you're going up against a Tampa Bay, for example, In that division, will you be able to overcome that mountain?
And that's going to be key for Florida.
I mean, They're a little bit lucky that most of the great teams this year are in the West.
But I am still concerned about the Panthers.
But I, I think with Tkachuk back, they should definitely be gunning for that wild card.
But I do not think it's automatic, just based on the fact that.
You know, like, Buffalo's better than anticipated, and, You know, Montreal and Detroit seem to be kind of for real.
