Matthew Tkachuk witnessed Chris Tanev absorb numerous hits and block countless shots during their shared time as teammates on the Calgary Flames.
As a gritty, confrontational forward himself, Tkachuk developed a strong appreciation for the rugged defenseman`s style over their two seasons together.
His respect for Tanev has only intensified since they became opponents.
Currently, Tkachuk`s Florida Panthers are facing Tanev`s Toronto Maple Leafs in the second playoff round, a series that, true to his NHL career, has physically challenged the veteran defenseman.
Speaking before Game 4 of the Atlantic Division series where the Leafs held a 2-1 lead, Tkachuk commented on the 35-year-old`s performance: “I am extremely impressed by his play. It`s remarkable to see him performing at this level, consistently, year after year.”
To put it plainly, Tanev is enduring significant physical punishment this playoff season.
According to the hockey analytics site Natural Stat Trick, the Toronto native had taken a staggering 71 hits in his first nine playoff games before Sunday, which was 28 more than Rasmus Sandin of the Washington Capitals, who ranked second.
Tkachuk further described Tanev as “the head of the snake back there,” calling him their leader. “You can see it in how he carries himself and communicates with the team… he leads by example,” Tkachuk noted, adding, “Having witnessed it before, it`s not surprising.”
Additionally, Tanev had blocked 25 shots, placing him in a tie for third league-wide.
Leafs forward Mitch Marner praised his teammate: “He puts his body on the line on every shift. He does so many great things for our team.”
Although Tanev missed a few shifts during the third period of Friday`s 5-4 overtime loss that reduced Toronto`s lead in the series, his brief absence was due to a broken skate, not an injury.
When questioned about his physical condition, Tanev simply replied, “Feel great.”
