Florida Panthers' forward Matthew Tkachuk has been injured since the 4 Nations Face-Off. He featured for the Team USA before making an exit during the finale and has not played a regular-season game since then. With the playoffs in the sight, his status for the defending champions remains a mystery.
What did Matthew Tkachuk had to say about his return ahead of the playoffs?
The 27-year-old forward hopes to make a return on the ice for the playoffs. The teams will end their regular season games either today or tomorrow, but all eyes would be on Tkachuk, whether he makes a timely return ahead of the playoffs.
While being on the Up & Adams show, he told Kay Adams that,
It’s been crushing me the last little bit. I’ve been wanting to get out there so bad. I think the first couple games after that 4 Nations, you really want to be out there, but it’s probably good to try to get some rest and get recovered and everything.
He said that he is 'itching' to get back on the ice and can't wait for 'whenever that day is'. He hopes that he makes a return on the ice in the Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. His coach even believes that he will make his return sooner rather than later. But, even if he misses the first game for the Panthers, Paul Maurice is confident that he won't be out for much longer.
This week is a really important week for him. He’s not that far off. If he’s not (ready for Game 1), he’s very, very close. We’re not missing this by two weeks Maurice said via NHL.
The Florida Panthers will take on Tampa Bay Lightning in the round one as the latter finished ahead of Panthers in the Atlantic Division.
Matthew Tkachuk remains hopeful of making his return
The big question for the Panthers ahead of the Game 1 in the playoffs remain whether Matthew Tkachuk is available for their clash. He's avoiding to disclose any dates of his return.
I think I’d get in trouble if I said (when I'll be back). I will say it’s been very good (the) last, probably, few days on the ice. I’ve really only been on the ice for a couple days with, like, legit skates, so I’m just trying to peak sometime around Game 1. So, (I’m) looking forward to it, Tkachuk said via NHL.
Tkachuk has been making progress in the last few days and might be able to make a comeback in time.