Matthew Tkachuk shares what he told Rangers' Chris Kreider after viral mouthguard toss incident

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified May 29, 2024 19:18 GMT

There was a heated exchange moment between Matthew Tkachuk and Chris Kreider in Game 4 between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers. It happened in the third period when the Panthers were leading with a 2-1 score.

Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk and Rangers forward Chris Kreider got engaged in a tussle. Next, Kreider grabbed Tkachuk’s mouthguard and after separation by the referee, he attempted to throw it into the crowd.

Matthew Tkachuk has finally responded to the incident:

“I told him that was the best play he made all game,” Tkachuk said on Wednesday.

“I don’t know. I guess it’s just all game-within-the-game stuff from their side and then from our side.” Tkachuk added.

“At the end of the day, it’s not the first time that’s happened actually. Normally, they just give it back. The last time, they took it in and threw it right back at me. This time was a little bit different, but it is what it is. Game-within-the-game. Playoffs. Gotta love it.”

Fortunately for Kreider, his attempt to discard the mouthguard didn't succeed in reaching the stands, as it failed to clear the protective netting. Had it done so, Kreider would have faced a game misconduct penalty.

Chris Kreider's response to throwing Matthew Tkachuk's mouthguard was as unexpected as the incident itself.

“I don't remember that,” Kreider responded to the incident.

Tkachuk elaborated on the situation, noting that such incidents are part of playoff hockey. He also had to reuse the mouthguard, as he doesn’t carry an additional one.

“Luckily, it didn’t go over the stands and he just threw it up in the air. Had to wash it off and use it," Tkachuk said.

Tkachuck has been impressive in the playoffs with five goals and 14 assists for a total of 19 points.

Matthew Tkachuk and Panthers secure overtime victory to even series against New York Rangers

Florida Panthers tied the Eastern Conference Finals series against New York Rangers at two games apiece with a 3-2 overtime victory.

Sam Reinhart scored the game-winner, assisted by Aleksander Barkov. Reinhart, the NHL's power-play goal leader, capitalized once again. Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett also scored for Florida, while Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafrenière found the net for the Rangers.

“I saw him wide open there, and I was pretty confident he was putting that one in, He has an awesome shot and obviously he made no mistake on that one, and it was awesome,” Verhaeghe said.

The Rangers' Blake Wheeler took a crucial penalty early in overtime, leading to Florida's winning goal. Despite the back-and-forth action, both goalies, Sergei Bobrovsky and Igor Shesterkin, made notable saves.

Bobrovsky expressed confidence in his team's unity and spirit.

“We have a good feeling, We’ve got good belief, good trust in each other here. We’ve got great atmosphere. And, yeah, it’s a fun challenge,” Bobrovsky said.

Game 5 is scheduled in New York, with the series evenly set.