In a shocking revelation, Tkachuk reported suffering a broken sternum, speculated to be from a powerful hit dealt by Keegan Kolesar in Game Three.
The pain from the broken sternum was so intense that Tkachuk had to enlist the help of his younger brother, Brady, for even the most basic physical tasks.
The injury rendered Tkachuk incapable of dressing himself or tying his skates, and it ultimately led to him sitting out Game Five. The Vegas team seized this opportunity to win their first-ever Stanley Cup.
Tkachuk isn't the first NHL player to experience a broken sternum in a Stanley Cup Playoff Series. In the previous year's Cup Final, Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard suffered a similar injury. Despite this, the Avs managed to defeat the Lightning in six games.
Recovery from a broken sternum typically takes between 8-12 weeks, so fans can expect Tkachuk to be back at full strength for the Panthers training camp in September.
POLL | ||
16 JUIN | 965 ANSWERS Matthew Tkachuk Opens Up About His Brutal Injury in the Stanley Cup Finals Will Tkachuk be ready for Training Camp? | ||
Yes | 406 | 42.1 % |
No | 382 | 39.6 % |
In a limited capacity | 177 | 18.3 % |
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