The Edmonton Oilers must be more than a little weary of Matthew Tkachuk. Known for his relentless style, Tkachuk has been a thorn in their side, whether with the Calgary Flames or now with the Florida Panthers. Over the past three years, he's delivered some crushing blows to the Oilers' aspirations on the grandest stages.
Not only has he been pivotal in defeating the Oilers in consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, but Tkachuk also added insult to injury by helping take down Connor McDavid and Team Canada for Olympic gold. While many rivalries simmer down off the ice, Tkachuk keeps the heat alive, and one analyst believes Edmonton should respond when Florida visits on March 19.
Kevin Karius, speaking on The Kevin Karius Show, highlighted Tkachuk’s recent taunts directed at Leon Draisaitl and suggested the Oilers should bring a more physical game plan against the Panthers' star winger.
Karius remarked:
“Matthew Tkachuk and his antics are first-class. When Florida comes to town, the Oilers need to channel some Tampa Bay energy.
I’m talking about a no-holds-barred approach. Forget the two points-if it means taking a suspension to send a message, so be it.
Tkachuk needs to feel the heat.”
Despite playing in only 10 games this season due to offseason surgery, Tkachuk has managed to tally eight points, showing he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Karius’ sentiments resonate with many-if Tkachuk is going to dish it out, he should be prepared to take some in return. Edmonton has another shot at this in the 2025-26 season, unless fate pairs them again in the Stanley Cup Finals.
However, Tkachuk’s health could be a wildcard. Some insiders speculate that Florida might rest him if their playoff hopes continue to dwindle. If that’s the case, Edmonton’s chance for retribution might be delayed.
But if Tkachuk is on the ice come mid-March, expect sparks to fly. The Oilers versus Panthers matchup could be one for the ages, with Tkachuk right in the thick of it.