Matthew Tkachuk credits key Panthers member for his growth after leaving Calgary Flames - "Turned me into a way better player"

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jun 12, 2024 15:53 GMT

Matthew Tkachuk's transition from the Calgary Flames to the Florida Panthers has been a defining chapter in his career. While Tkachuk has yet to score any points in the first two games of the current series against the Edmonton Oilers, his impact on the ice has been undeniable.

Tkachuk has been wearing down Edmonton players with his signature aggressive tactics. Despite the lack of points in the finals, his overall playoff performance this year has been stellar, with five goals and 14 assists, totaling 19 points.

In a recent live broadcast with the Sportsnet panel (Ron MacLean, Jennifer Botterill, Kelly Hrudey and Kevin Bieksa) before Game 2 in Florida, Matthew Tkachuk opened up about the role that Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has played in his development.

Analyst Jennifer Botterill pointed out to Tkachuk how he wanted to win this Stanley Cup for his teammates and his coach. She then proceeded to question about the daily influence that Panthers coach Paul Maurice had on him and the team.

"Yeah, he's been incredible." Tkachuk replied, "I've said it a bunch. He's really changed me as a player and turned me into a, what I think is a way better player than when I first came in. So I've got him to thank a lot for that.

"Just the way he's able to motivate our team and, you know, get us to build as, you know, games and series and everything and, you know, he's been great for us and yeah, found a good way to motivate us again today."

Kelly Hrudey stuck to the same theme and asked about the comparison to their previous Stanley Cup campaign in which they lost to Vegas.

"Yeah, it is a lot different." Matthew Tkachuk said, "It's very business like. I don't think we're too serious, but we definitely are. You know, we're here for a reason. We have a gold mine and every day is. It's very important to win your day.

"I think that's his main message, is just winning your day, whether it's a game day or recovery day or practice day or whatever. So I think it's very important for us to have that mindset. It's made our team. I don't know. I think it's helped the team a lot."

Matthew Tkachuk's intention while playing the game and more

Matthew Tkachuk spoke about his intention upon being asked by Kevin Bieksa whether he was looking for a big opportunity like his hit last year on Vegas forward Jack Eichel.

"It's not really in my head at all." Matthew Tkachuk replied, "Just go up there, be physical when needed, make some plays when needed. Not the end of day.

"We know what makes our team successful in the style we play so just try to play that every shift. But no, be fast, be physical. I think that's, it's pretty simple to go out there with that mindset and try to do a job."

Florida has been dominating, particularly with Sergei Bobrovsky's exceptional goaltending. The Panthers won the first game 3-0 and the second 4-1, showcasing a robust defense that has kept Edmonton's top forwards, including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, at bay. The goal difference so far in the finals series stands at a commanding 7-1 in favor of the Panthers.