NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk and NHL World Cup of Hockey
During the first intermission of the Panthers game against the Colorado Avalanche, Tkachuk says he remains on track to return to the lineup once he sheds his non-contact jersey during practice. When he ultimately returns to the lineup isn’t his decision, but he has a date in mind.
“I’m kind of goal-like, it’s always kind of been where we are right now, like we’re on the right track,” Tkachuk said. “So so far every box that’s been checked has been checked, and I think the last one before playing is taking off the No Contact jersey. We’ll have a few more skates here, and call a few people and figure it out from there. But we’re feeling pretty good right now.”
As previously mentioned, Tkachuk was injured during the tournament representing Team USA. It was a memorable night in Montreal, QC, Canada, with three fights in nine seconds. Shortly after his return, however, Tkachuk was unable to complete that game and was very limited in Gold Medal play. Team USA lost to Canada in overtime.
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Tkachuk missed the remainder of the regular season for the Florida Panthers before returning to the lineup for Game 1 of Round 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, if the Panthers hadn’t had a chance to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, Tkachuk likely would have undergone surgery right away.
“I mean, I would have had the surgery last year, and, you know, February or March, or whatever, if I didn’t think we had a chance. I guess that’s what I signed up for by making the decision in late February or early March, by riding it out and finally knowing. I’m sure I lied/lied to you guys a few times in the spring, saying I feel fine and probably won’t need surgery, but I knew in the back of my mind it would happen eventually. So I wouldn’t change it for the world, happy that our team’s name was on the cup again. It was all worth it.”
Tkachuk began practicing with the team just after Christmas in a non-contact jersey and participated in the team’s practice ahead of the January 2 Winter Classic, in which the Panthers lost 5–1 to the New York Rangers. While Tkachuk was able to participate in the festivities and enjoy the moments of the event, he wanted to be there with his teammates.
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There would be no drama from Paul Maurice during the Winter Classic for a possible return of Tkachuk. However, the Panthers will go on a six-game road trip once this homestand is over, and there’s a chance he could return.
“Whether I play on this six-game road trip, I mean, if it were to happen, probably towards the end of it, just because I’m still in the non-contact jersey, but I don’t even have a goal right now, whether that is it or not,” Tkachuk added. “So it’ll just be fun to be on the road, pick up the routine and figure it out from there. But hopefully it won’t be too long before you see me back out through the boys.”
His preseason games and his Olympics tune for Team USA will be the regular season games he competes in right before the break. Once again, Matthew Tkachuk is following doctors’ orders even though his patient has been tested, knowing how much he wants to be out there.
As Tkachuk ramps up the intensity in practice and the doctors clear the air, the Panthers will become a tougher team to play against as they march toward a three-peat.
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