FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Matthew Tkachuk`s availability for the Florida Panthers` playoff debut on Tuesday remains uncertain. He is scheduled to participate in Tuesday morning`s skate, which will be crucial in determining his game readiness.
Tkachuk, sidelined since February 8 due to a lower-body injury and absent from games since the 4 Nations Face-Off two months prior, practiced with the Stanley Cup champions on Monday. This marked his second practice in three days.
The Panthers will assess Tkachuk`s condition following Tuesday`s morning skate before making a final call on his participation in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Coach Paul Maurice stated after Monday`s practice that Tkachuk needs to successfully complete the morning skate. The team is closely monitoring his recovery post-practice. If Tkachuk feels well and clears the morning skate, he is expected to play.
Tkachuk sustained his injury during the 4 Nations tournament. He attempted to play in the final against Canada but was unable to take the ice in the third period or overtime.
Subsequently, the Panthers placed Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve. Despite missing the final 25 regular-season games, he still ranked third on the team with 57 points, including 22 goals and 35 assists. He also held the second spot for power-play goals with 11.
The decision appears to be between having him play in Game 1 or Game 2. Coach Maurice suggested that the additional two days before the second game on Thursday could be beneficial for Tkachuk`s recovery.
Maurice emphasized that they are in a situation where considering the extra two days is viable if Tkachuk is nearing full fitness. The final decision will rely on evaluations from doctors and Tkachuk himself.
