Matthew Tkachuk laid it all on the line for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and in the end, it resulted in an injury for the forward.
Now, the Florida Panthers are being dealt a tough hand and they must find a way to figure things out as the season reaches its conclusion.
There have been quite a few rumors lately claiming that Tkachuk is done for the season and that his injury is going to keep him sidelined for months.
However, new comments from Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice completely refute this notion.
Although Maurice does acknowledge that the injury will keep Tkachuk out for a while, he also made the claim that Tkachuk will play again this season.
The Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in a battle for first place in the Atlantic Division.
Overall, the Leafs have one game in hand are currently one point up. If things continue to go this way, then the Leafs will get that first seed.
With Tkachuk out of the lineup, it is going to be a lot more difficult for the Panthers to get over the hump and finish out the season strong.
However, there is no doubt that the Panthers are playoff bound and by that point, one would have to assume that Tkachuk would be ready to go.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 24 | 313 ANSWERS Paul Maurice Addresses Devastating Matthew Tkachuk Rumors Do you believe Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers will repeat as Stanley Cup champions? | ||
YES | 14 | 4.5 % |
NO | 299 | 95.5 % |
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