Growing Concerns Surround Matthew Tkachuk Ahead of Game Five

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Julien Trekker
June 11, 2023 (12:06)

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There's a consensus in the hockey community that Matthew Tkachuk has been Florida's best player since the playoffs started.

With 24 points in 20 games, he showed that he's a real candidate for the Conn-Smythe trophy and one of the best five-on-five player in the entire NHL.

Unfortunately, he didn't play for almost all of the third period during game four against Vegas, except a couple of shifts towards the end, visibly dealing with an injury.

That didn't stop him to fight with Alex Pietrangelo at the end of the game.

SEE: Game 4 Ends in Chaos as Pietrangelo Exits Penalty Box and Starts Fight with Tkachuk

Bad News for the Panthers

In the post-game press conference, Paul Maurice and Matthew Tkachuk didn't really talked about it. We often see that in the playoffs, in order to disclose the less informations possible to the other team.

According to an insider, his status his unclear for game five.

"Matthew Tkachuk and Paul Maurice didn't have much to say after Game 4 about the injury that kept Tkachuk from playing most of the third period.

The hope is that he can play Game 5, but that status is far from a certainly right now."

Fortunately, the next game is only on Tuesday. This will leave Tkachuk more time to deal with whatever injury he's dealing with.

The Panthers will need him if they want to win three straight games.