Matthew Tkachuk’s postgame comment after USA win over Canada draws backlash
Photo credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Leave it to Matthew Tkachuk to stir the pot, and his comments after the USA's gold medal win vs. Canada is not going to sit well with fans north of the border.
In what was one of the more exciting and nail-biting international clashes in recent memory, the United States ended a 46-year drought and finally brought home the gold medal thanks to Jack Hughes' heroics in overtime.
It was a historic moment for many involved and the sentiment behind America's win stretches beyond just national bragging rights, and one player took the time to state the importance of the win.
Matthew Tkachuk sparks discourse on social media after postgame comments
However, it wasn't as much a graceful comment as it was a declaration. Matthew Tkachuk decided that a win over Canada wasn't enough and chose to rub some salt in the wounds of Canadian fans with his post-game comments.
Tkachuk held nothing back and declared the US is now the dominant force in hockey -- and it's their game now:
Hockey's our game. It's the United States of America's game. It's the greatest country in the world.
He didn't stop there though, and had a few more jabs at the Canadian side too:
While many would argue against that comment, at least when it comes to widespread international supremacy, the United States do get to hold bragging rights and Tkachuk gets to add yet another notch on his accomplishment belt in addition to his two Stanley Cups.
USA has bragging rights until 2030
But this is also a Canadian team that was severely weakened with the loss of Sidney Crosby, and though they had their chances were unable to capitalize.
Combined with a legitimately otherworldly performance from Connor Hellebuyck -- it was the US' turn to finish their story.
But couple this with his previous comments regarding Leon Draisaitl and him always 'being the bridesmaid', it's clear that Tkachuk is not going to let this accolade get past anyone and he'll be chirping his opponents even more now that he can hold a gold medal over them.
Call him brash, call him cocky, call him something much worse if you must, but Matthew Tkachuk can call himself an Olympic gold medalist and can be part of the world's greatest hockey team.
Well....for four years at least.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 22|4718 ANSWERS Matthew Tkachuk’s postgame comment after USA win over Canada draws backlash Is Matthew Tkachuk right or wrong saying USA is the best hockey nation? | ||
| Right | 390 | 8.3 % |
| Wrong | 3957 | 83.9 % |
| Indifferent | 371 | 7.9 % |
| List of polls | ||