NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning - Source: Imagn — Matthew Tkachuk's return sparks Panthers in stomping 6-2 win over Lightning in Game 1 of Battle of Florida - Source: Imagn

Matthew Tkachuk's return sparks Panthers in stomping 6-2 win over Lightning in Game 1 of Battle of Florida

Modified Apr 23, 2025 09:44 GMT

The Florida Panthers, led by Matthew Tkachuk, walloped the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 in Game 1 of their opening-round series on Tuesday night.

Tkachuk’s return was a welcome one as the Panthers star had been out of the lineup since sustaining an injury while playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in late February.

The Panthers rolled out the big lumber, scoring six goals on 16 shots in the game. Tkachuk had three points in his return, scoring twice and adding a helper.

Expand Tweet

Tkachuk scored on the power play, making the game 4-1 midway through the second period. He added another power-play tally in the second to make the game 5-1.

Expand Tweet

Matthew Tkachuk’s two goals essentially put the game out of reach for the Lightning. They scored to make the game 5-2, but then the Panthers added one more to seal a 6-2 victory.

Defenseman Nate Schmidt scored twice for the Panthers, with Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, and captain Aleksander Barkov each getting two points. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was sharp, making 20 saves on the night.

Matthew Tkachuk’s early penalty cost the Panthers a crucial goal

Matthew Tkachuk's physical play cost the Panthers a goal in Game 1 against the Lightning - Source: Imagn

With the Panthers up 1-0 in the first period, Matthew Tkachuk let his emotions get the better of him. Midway through the period, Tkachuk laid a rough hit on Lightning star Nikita Kucherov. The hit led to Tkachuk getting the gate, ultimately resulting in Jake Guentzel tying the game.

Fortunately for Tkachuk and the Panthers, it would be the only power-play goal scored by the Lightning. The Panthers took three total penalties in the game, despite their strong physical play, killing off the other two.

In total, the Panthers laid 48 hits on the Lightning. But the physical play did not cost them more than Guentzel’s power-play tally.

In contrast, the Panthers had a perfect night with the man advantage, going 3-for-3. Tkachuk and the Panthers will look to continue their hot streak moving forward.

Game 2 will take place on Thursday night at Amalie Arena, with the Panthers looking to take a 2-0 series lead.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama