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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk reflects on facing Oilers in potential Stanley Cup-clinching game
Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers are still one game away from the Stanley Cup Final trophy. Despite a shellacking in Game 4 (8-1), they lead the series 3-1 ahead of Tuesday's Game 5. Tkachuk believes there's no better position to be in on hockey's biggest stage.
“I think this two-day break was really good for us to reset, re-evaluate where we’re at right now and absolutely enjoy the position we’re in. Couldn’t have dreamed of a better spot," Tkachuk said in the press conference.
The two days they've had off since Game 4 were, in Tkachuk's eyes, a good opportunity to stand back and assess the situation. Despite the potential momentum shift, the Panthers still feel good about their chances.
Their odds of winning the series are still strong. According to DraftKings, they're -375 to win, overwhelming odds that do not imply a collapse in the next few days.
Matthew Tkachuk hopes for big game in potential clincher
The Stanley Cup Final could end tonight. If the Florida Panthers can shake off the frustration of a shocking seven-goal defeat in Game 4, they'll win the trophy for the first time in franchise history. To do so, they will likely need a big game from someone.
Matthew Tkachuk hopes that he's the one who puts the team on his back and leads them to victory. However, he also added that the beauty of his team's current construction is that it's never necessary.
“Hopefully looking for my best game of the series tonight… good thing about us is it’s not about one guy or individuals here. We have a chance to capture our biggest goal of our life tonight so we are going to go do that," he said.
The Panthers won the first three games of the series, putting them in perfect position to win the trophy. However, momentum shifts with every game and if they do not wrap things up, pressure can mount up for the Panthers.
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