The Edmonton Oilers have had their fill of Matthew Tkachuk, and who could blame them? Whether with the Calgary Flames or now the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk has been a relentless thorn in their side. Over the past three years, he’s not only outplayed them on the ice but has delivered heartbreak on the grandest stages.
First, he helped defeat the Oilers in consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he led Team USA to Olympic gold, besting Connor McDavid and Team Canada.
For most players, the rivalry might end at the final buzzer, but with Tkachuk, it extends well beyond the rink. One analyst suggests Edmonton should be ready to make him pay when Florida visits on March 19.
Kevin Karius, on The Kevin Karius Show, highlighted Tkachuk’s recent taunt at Leon Draisaitl and his antics on social media. He urged the Oilers to bring intensity and physically challenge the star winger throughout the game.
Karius passionately remarked:
“Total first class by the Tkachuks, especially Matthew. I’m eager for that game when they come here.
The Oilers need to channel their inner Tampa Bay for a night. I don’t care about the two points.
If Frederic takes a suspension, so be it. Wrap your stick around Tkachuk’s neck and let him have it.”
Tkachuk, now 28, has only appeared in 10 games this season after offseason surgery, tallying eight points with three goals and five assists.
Karius’ perspective resonates-at some point, pushback is necessary. If Tkachuk can dish it out, he should be ready to take it, too. Edmonton has one more shot this season unless fate brings them together for a third straight Stanley Cup showdown.
However, Tkachuk’s health could throw a wrench in those plans. Insiders speculate that if Florida’s playoff hopes continue to fade, they might shut Tkachuk down for the season. Should that happen, Edmonton’s chance for retribution might be delayed.
But if he’s fit and ready in mid-March, brace yourself. We might witness some fireworks between the Oilers and Panthers, with Tkachuk right at the heart of the action.