Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Ready for training camp
Rotowire
Tkachuk (broken sternum) will be available for the start of training camp, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.
Tkachuk was forced to sit out Florida's season-ending loss to Vegas in the Stanley Cup Playoffs because of a broken sternum. He racked up 11 goals and 13 assists in 20 playoff contests prior to getting injured. Tkachuk amassed 40 goals, 109 points and 123 PIM in 79 games during the regular season.
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Recovering from broken sternum
Rotowire
Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday that Tkachuk suffered a broken sternum in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, David Dwork of Local 10 Miami reports.
Tkachuk tried to work through the injury, but the wear and tear from Game 4 ultimately kept him out of the lineup for Tuesday's season-ending loss to the Golden Knights in Game 5. It's unclear if he will be fully healed from the injury in time for training camp in September. Tkachuk finished the playoffs with 24 points in 20 contests and tied for third in postseason scoring among all players.
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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Not expected to play Tuesday
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Tkachuk (upper body) is not expected to play in Tuesday's Game 5 versus the Golden Knights, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.
Tkachuk essentially came down to a game-time decision, but it's likely to be Grigori Denisenko in the lineup instead. Anton Lundell figures to receive the largest bump in playing time with Tkachuk out. With the Panthers facing elimination Tuesday, there's no guarantee there will be a Game 6 on Friday, though Tkachuk will likely be questionable for that one if the Panthers can extend the series.
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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Questionable for Game 5
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Tkachuk would not commit to being available for Tuesday's Game 5 after he was on the bench nursing an injury for part of the third period of Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 4, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.
Tkachuk also only lightly participated in warmups, taking just a few shots. The injury likely stems from a heavy hit that he took from Keegan Kolesar in Game 3, though Tkachuk was able to play a big role in the Panthers' comeback in that contest. The Panthers are likely to be very guarded with information about Tkachuk's injury, so he can be considered a game-time decision for Game 5.
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Provides equalizer in OT win
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Tkachuk scored a goal on three shots, dished an assist and went plus-3 in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over the Golden Knights in Game 3.
Tkachuk had an eventful night, which saw him leave the game late in the first period and miss part of the second with a suspected injury. He ended up being just fine, with his goal late in the third sending the contest into overtime. The winger continues to be a star for the Panthers with 24 points, 57 shots on net, 58 hits, 60 PIM and a plus-12 rating through 19 playoff contests.
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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Returns in second period
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Tkachuk returned to the ice in the second period of Thursday's Game 3 versus the Golden Knights, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.
Tkachuk was late out of the locker room following the first intermission after taking a big hit in the first period. The winger picked up one assist prior to his brief absence, and he'll look to add to that over the rest of the contest.
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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Exits after big hit
Rotowire
Tkachuk (undisclosed) left Thursday's Game 3 versus the Golden Knights in the first period after receiving a big hit, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.
Tkachuk was hit by Keegan Kolesar in the first period, and while it looked like the Florida winger was going to stay in the game, he exited after a power-play shift. He was not on the Panthers' bench to start the second period. The team did not immediately provide an update on Tkachuk's status after the first intermission.
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Accumulates goal, 22 PIM in Game 2
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Tkachuk had a goal and 22 PIM in a 7-2 loss to Vegas in Game 2 on Monday.
Tkachuk received a roughing penalty and a 10-minute misconduct late in the second period. After serving his time, he scored midway through the third frame, though it merely narrowed Vegas' lead to 6-2. Still, the tally brought the 25-year-old up to an impressive 10 goals and 22 points in 18 postseason outings this year. Shortly after finding the back of the net, Tkachuk received his second 10-minute misconduct of the contest. That's pushed him up to 36 PIM after just two contests in the Stanley Cup Finals, compared to 24 during his first 16 playoff appearances.
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Leads Florida to Stanley Cup Finals
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Tkachuk supplied two power-play goals in Florida's 4-3 victory over Carolina in Game 4 on Wednesday.
Tkachuk found the back of the net midway through the first period to give Florida a 2-0 edge. Carolina was able to rally back, but Tkachuk scored again with just five seconds left in the third frame to win the game and complete the series sweep. The 25-year-old has been a huge part of the Panthers' postseason success, providing nine goals and 21 points in 16 outings. He's also on a four-game scoring streak going into the Stanley Cup Finals.
