The series between the Panthers and the Maple Leafs in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs has seen it all. Be it aggressive action or some thrilling gameplay, fans have been enthralled by some eye-catching action. One such incident occurred toward the closing stages of Game 4. Maple Leafs’ Max Domi hit the Panthers’ captain, Aleksander Barkov, in the back, resulting in him falling on the ice and crashing into the advertising boards. Subsequently, Matthew Tkachuk, who was seated on the bench, showed his aggressive side, which might have gone in vain.
Soon after the game, Tkachuk issued a stern warning to the Maple Leafs’ star, Nylander, saying that he was coming for him in Game 5. This came on the backdrop of Domi hitting the Panthers’ captain, following which a scrum broke out. Like Barkov, Nylander was one of the top scorers for his team this season, resulting in Tkachuk directing his aggression toward Nylander.
However, the Maple Leafs’ coach, Craig Berube, had other ideas. He took an indirect jibe at Tkachuk while mocking Nylander. Berube wasn’t worried about William Nylander being dissuaded by Matthew Tkachuk’s chirping at the end of Game 4, saying, “He probably didn’t hear him. He doesn’t hear me.”
Craig Berube says he’s not worried about William Nylander being dissuaded by Matthew Tkachuk’s chirping at the end of Game 4:
“He probably didn’t hear him. He doesn’t hear me.”
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 13, 2025
Meanwhile, Nylander has also taken the challenge from Tkachuk head-on. Being well-aware of what Tkachuk can do, he played down their conversation toward the end of Game 4 and said, “He’ll probably do whatever he can do to get a player off their game. Next game is going to be a fun one.”
Further, Tkachuk is fully fit and rearing to go in the upcoming games against the Maple Leafs. He has been in good form of late and would be a crucial link to the Panthers’ chances in this series. Ahead of Game 5, the Panthers’ coach, Paul Maurice, sounded confident about Tkachuk.
Paul Maurice has high hopes from Matthew Tkachuk
In the series against the Maple Leafs, Tkachuk has been at his creative best and recorded three assists. The 27-year-old was coming from a groin injury suffered at the Four Nations Faceoff earlier this year. However, he is fully fit and running, as seen in the recent games. With the series tied at 2-2, Maurice is banking on Tkachuk to help his team through.
During the pre-game interview ahead of Game 5, Maurice said, “I think his last three games that he has played have been the best games he has played in the playoffs. I think he has an incredible ability to adjust his game, and I think he was doing that in the Tampa series — all the way through the Tampa series. He is back. Last night, I didn’t see him adapting his game. … I think he’s back, and right.’’
Although Toronto will play the next game on their home turf, the Panthers have the momentum, winning back-to-back games. Meanwhile, Barkov is expected to be fine after taking a hit from Domi. This could further boost the Panthers’ chances in the remaining games. Can the defending champions seal the tie against the Maple Leafs? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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