Team USA Reveals Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Fate Following Wild 4 Nations Clash
Team USA coach Mike Sullivan revealed that star forward and part of last night's trio of fights, Matthew Tkachuk -- is currently dealing with an injury.
Right now, he's being evaluated by our doctors. That's all I can offer. We'll make decisions that we think is best for Matthew and we think is best for our team. Right now, I don't have a lot of information to go on, so it's hard for me to give you more.
What could this mean not only for Team USA but for the Florida Panthers?
Matthew Tkachuk Injury Sparks Concern All Round
For what it's worth, Tkachuk himself didn't think too much of it and downplayed the injury post-game:
No concern at all. I feel good. Definitely way better after a win. Should be all good.
That has to give some relief to American fans as well as Panthers fans, as their push toward a repeat title is heavily hindered if they were to lose Tkachuk.
This season with the Panthers,
Tkachuk has 22 goals and 35 assists in 52 games and has been one of the best in the NHL over the last three years.
In that span, he has 301 points in 241 games (108 goals, 193 assists) while also adding 21 goals and 35 assists in 56 playoff contests as well.
A huge part of the identity of the US team, if Tkachuk were out for the remainder of the tournament -- including the Finals which the team has already punched their ticket to -- they would lose one of their undeniable game changers.
It will be up to his teammates to pick up the slack, and if anyone can withstand the injury, it's the American team. But they need the likes of
Auston Matthews and
Jack Hughes to have a showing in the next two games; especially if Tkachuk is absent.
If he were to miss any time with the Panthers, that spells bad news for their
Atlantic Division reign, as not only are the Maple Leafs on their heels, but so is Tampa Bay, and not far behind is Ottawa -- where Matthew's brother Brady plays.
It remains to be seen if Tkachuk is out for the rest of the Four Nations, but if he is -- and Canada makes the Finals -- Expect the Canadians to take FULL advantage of the situation.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
| POLL |
FEVRIER 16 | 801 ANSWERS Team USA Reveals Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Fate Following Wild 4 Nations Clash Do you think Matthew Tkachuk will miss the rest of the 4 Nations tournament? |
| Yes | 396 | 49.4 % |
| No | 405 | 50.6 % |
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