Panthers believed Matthew Tkachuk’s ‘going to come back no matter what’ following COLOSSAL hit by Keegan Kolesar in Game 3

The Panthers finally tie the game by a 2-1 lead in Game 3 OT following Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe's goal against Golden Knights.

Panthers believed Matthew Tkachuk’s ‘going to come back no matter what’ following COLOSSAL hit by Keegan Kolesar in Game 3

Matthew Tkachuk [Image Credit: Canucks Daily]

Matthew Tkachuk’s 2:13-minute goal in the third period leads the Florida Panthers to their first win against Golden Knights in Game 3. The series was led by the golden jackets 2-0, but with Thursday’s 3-2 win, Panthers killed the Knights’ momentum, recording a 2-1 series final lead.

Tkachuk once again played a crucial role in the team’s comeback, along with Carter Verhaeghe whose 4:27 OT goal led the team to victory. Fans were worried as concussion spotters took hold of the 25-year-old following a massive hit by Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar.

YouTube video

Kolesar delivered a thundering shoulder-to-shoulder hit within 10 mins of the game. Tkachuk wobbled back to the bench but was later taken to the locker room for further evaluation. As tension haunted the arena, Tkachuk made his return in the second period writing off playoff dramatics.

FS Video

Related: “He changed their franchise,” Wayne Gretzky states how Matthew Tkachuk ‘become the face of the Florida Panthers’ in recent year

Matthew Tkachuk heads to locker room after hit by Keegan Kolesar

Matthew Tkachuk and Keegan Kolesar [Image Credit: ESPN]
Matthew Tkachuk and Keegan Kolesar [Image Credit: ESPN]

Although fans may have worried about the winger’s return, Florida Panthers players and coach stated that they were relaxed during the chaos. They believed Matthew Tkachuk would return later in the period and they just needed to play their own game till then.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice stated that there was zero clarity on Takchuk’s condition and it was a “complete shutdown”. The Panthers beat some of the top NHL teams to reach the Stanley Cup finals and they were sure it’ll not end in Game 3.

Captain Aleksander Barkov agreed with Brandon Montour that it was a no-brainer while speaking of Takchuk’s on-ice leave, “He’s going to come back no matter what. He’s really tough guy, and he’s going to battle through everything.” 

Tkachuk’s game has been hyping up this whole Stanley Cup season, and it’s no doubt the fans expect no less. As Tkachuk returned on ice in 2nd period the crowds were roaring in the arena, “Chucky! Chucky!” The Panthers’ Game 3 win will be a difficult pill to swallow for the Golden Knights as they were close to demanding a series lead.

Game 4 will be held at Sunrise Arena on 10th June. Following the Game 3 loss, captain Mark Stone stated, “Overall, I thought we played a pretty solid game”. “It’s the playoffs. You’ve got to bounce back and be ready for the next one.”

Knights coach Bruce Cassidy felt like the team gave its all despite losing a 2-0 series lead. He said that in playoffs topsy-turvy situations like these are common. It’s all in how a team scripts their victory in the final round.

Cassidy hopes this loss will “leaves a sour taste in your mouth” so the players evaluate their game and come up with better strategies in Game 4. “It’s an emotional game” and moving further into the series, things will tighten up much more than Thursday night. 

With the Cats snatching the momentum, Stone noted, “This series, we knew it was going to be tough”. Stone admits that the Panthers are a “resilient team.” and when one is playing against such players they need to know how to close games ensuring victory.

In case you missed:

Bruce Cassidy Net Worth 2023: How much is he worth?

Ivan Provorov Net Worth 2023: How much is NHL defenseman worth?